Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to gain power and control over a partner or family member. It can include physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, sexual coercion, financial control, and isolation. These actions are often repeated and escalated over time, leaving survivors feeling trapped, unsafe, and alone.
Oklahoma had 122 domestic violence homicides reported in 2023
Domestic violence doesn’t always begin with physical harm. It often starts subtly—constant criticism, excessive jealousy, controlling behaviors, or isolating someone from their friends and family. Over time, the behavior may escalate to physical violence, threats, or more severe emotional abuse. Other signs can include monitoring phone or online activity, limiting access to money or transportation, or making someone feel like they’re to blame for everything that goes wrong.
No single sign defines every situation, but if you feel afraid, belittled, or controlled in your relationship, it’s important to know you are not alone—and help is available.
Abuse is a choice—one rooted in a desire for power and control, not anger or a loss of temper. While there is no one “type” of abuser or victim, abuse often follows social patterns, including gender roles, learned behavior, and systemic inequities.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone—regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status. It affects individuals, families, and entire communities, often in ways that are hidden or misunderstood. Survivors may carry deep emotional scars long after the abuse ends, impacting mental health, parenting, financial stability, and more.
Sexual assault is any sexual contact or behavior that occurs without clear, enthusiastic, and freely given consent. It can include rape, attempted rape, unwanted touching, sexual coercion, or any sexual act performed through pressure, manipulation, or force. Sexual violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or relationship status.
or performing another activity at home when the assault occurred.
Consent Matters: The F.R.I.E.S. Method
Consent is the foundation of any healthy sexual interaction. A helpful way to understand consent is through the F.R.I.E.S. acronym:
- Freely Given – No pressure, no manipulation, no threats.
- Reversible – Anyone can change their mind at any time.
- Informed – All parties understand what they’re consenting to.
- Enthusiastic – Consent should come from genuine desire, not obligation.
- Specific – Saying yes to one thing doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.
If consent isn’t present, it’s not just a misunderstanding—it’s assault.
The Impact of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is not only a physical violation—it can also cause deep emotional, psychological, and spiritual wounds. Survivors may feel fear, shame, anger, confusion, or numbness. Many blame themselves or are blamed by others. The aftermath can affect everything from relationships to self-worth to long-term health.
Healing is possible. Support, education, and safe spaces play a vital role in recovery.
Approximately 70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe distress, a larger percentage than for any other violent crime.
Stalking is a pattern of unwanted behavior that causes someone to feel afraid, unsafe, or harassed. It can include following someone, repeated unwanted calls or messages, showing up uninvited, monitoring social media, or tracking someone’s location. Stalking often escalates and is frequently connected to other forms of abuse.
What It Feels Like to be Stalked
Stalking can make someone feel like they’re never truly alone. It creates a constant state of fear, anxiety, and hyper-vigilance. Many victims change their daily routines, jobs, or even relocate to avoid contact. Because stalking is often minimized or misunderstood, survivors may struggle to be believed or supported.
Obsession Is Not Affection
Stalking is not always committed by a stranger in the shadows. In fact, most stalking victims know their stalker—often a current or former partner. What may start as persistent texts, unexpected visits, or tracking through social media can escalate into serious safety concerns.
Because stalking behaviors are sometimes disguised as concern, jealousy, or even affection, it can be hard to recognize and even harder to explain to others. But when someone repeatedly crosses your boundaries and makes you feel unsafe, it is not love—it is stalking.
Resource guides and further information on the services at wings of hope