Crisis Control Center

Intimate partner violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used by one partner to gain control over another. This violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.  It includes verbal and emotional abuse, financial abuse, physical or sexual violence, and stalking.

Is your relationship abusive?
It can be difficult to tell if your partner is abusive. Signs may not show up until months or years into the relationship. 

Domestic violence is not always violent. Does your partner:

• Minimize your feelings
• Accuse you of flirting or cheating
• Blame you for their behavior
• Limit your access to money
• Pressure you sexually
• Criticize your actions or responses
• Make all relationship decisions
• Show unpredictable anger towards you
• Restrain, push or hit you

If so, you may be in an unhealthy relationship.

Sexual assault occurs any time physical activity is unwanted. 

Sexual assault is any form of forced or non-consensual sexual activity. It can happen with strangers, friends, and committed partners.

All forms of sexual assault can be devastating, regardless of the level of violence or whether the victim knows the perpetrator.

Following an assault, it is not unusual to feel confused and unsure what to do.

Advocates are available to support your choices, accompany to medical exams and law enforcement interviews, and provide follow-up care.

1. Go to a safe location.
2. Call a trusted friend or family member.
3. Call a Crisis Center advocate at 580-924-3030 (24 hour hotline).
4. If you are over age 18, reporting to law enforcement is your choice.
5. Call 911 if you decide to report.
6. You can request a forensic medical exam without reporting to law enforcement.
7. Evidence will be preserved in case you opt to report later.

• When preparing for forensic exam don’t shower, bath, douche, eat, drink, or smoke.
• Save items that may contain DNA and do not launder clothing.

Domestic and sexual violence can affect anyone -- including men.

Although men make up a smaller percentage of reports, there are likely many more men who do not seek help.

Many believe there are no resources or support available for male victims. 

1 in 6 adult men in the U.S. will become a victim of domestic violence during his lifetime

Domestic violence is not about size, gender or strength. It is about abuse, control and power whether you are a man or a woman.
It can be physical, sexual, emotional, verbal or financial. 

Regardless of the situation, our 24-hour hotline is available with no-cost confidential support.

Teen dating violence happens between age 11 and 18. Watch for warning signs and reach for help when needed.

Warning Signs

• Excessive jealousy
• Attempts to isolate you from family and friends
• Too serious about the relationship too quickly
• Controlling behavior
• Explosive temper
• Refuses to let you end the relationship

 

What you can do:

• Trust your intuition
• Don’t ignore the warning signs
• Spend time with friends
• Maintain activities you enjoy
• CALL the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• CALL the National Dating Abuse Hotline at 1-866-331-9474

Stalking is a pattern of behavior that makes you feel afraid, nervous, harassed or in danger. When someone contacts you repeatedly, follows, or threatens you. Stalking can be in person, on the phone, with texts, emails or posting information and photos about you on social media.

Stalking is part of an abusive relationship.

Stalkers can be someone known or unknown, someone from the past, or a current partner.

Stalking is a crime and can be dangerous.

If someone is stalking you:

• Call a Community Crisis Center hotline advocate at 800-400-0883 who will help restore safety
• Contact the police
• Tell a parent, friend, teacher or trusted adult
• Let someone know where you are going to be at all times
• Never meet the stalker alone
• Carry your cell phone
• Save notes, texts, emails from the stalker
• Keep a journal of dates, times, and stalking behavior