Domestic Violence is a crime without boundaries and happens in our families regardless of race, creed, income, sexual orientation or social status. It is a crime that violates our most intimate selves and reaches out to affect the people we love and are close to.

Domestic Violence is also one of the most under reported crimes in the Northwoods. In 1999 there were 124 Domestic Violence police reports in Oneida County, 11 in Forest County and 61 in Vilas County. Tri-County Council helped nearly 500 people dealing with Domestic Violence that same year.

Nationally it is estimated that 3-4 million women are assaulted every year by an intimate partner. And, though over 95% of domestic violence occurs as a male violence against a female intimate partner, domestic violence does occur between same sexed couples, in bi and trans relationships and as female violence against a male partner.

It is important to understand that domestic violence is not only about gender, hitting and hurting it is about power and control. It is a crime where one person uses power to control an intimate partner or family member. This power may include physical and sexual violence or it may not. Power can be exerted and control gained in a number of ways i.e. economically, by restricting a person’s ability to have contact with others, by mental and emotional degradation and harassment as well as by the use of intimidation, threats and coercion.