Healthy marriage and relationship (HMR) programs funded by the federal government are required to consult with local domestic violence programs and all, regardless of funding source, have been encouraged to think carefully about how domestic violence issues will be identified and addressed within these programs. This Guide, the first of five that comprise a Resource Packet designed for relationship and marriage educators and program administrators, provides a working definition of domestic violence and an introduction to the network of domestic violence services that has been built in the United States over the last 30 years. An overview of key research findings related to the scope of domestic violence and its impact on adults, teens and children is also included. As in any field, domestic violence advocates and researchers are engaged in clarifying and refining basic definitions and terms to reflect emerging concerns, new realities, and increasingly diverse communities, and these will be identified here as well. A list of key domestic violence resources appears at the end of the Guide.
View Resource File >