What Does
Family Violence Involve?
Learn the true definition. Be prepared. Help break the cycle of abuse.
Learn the true definition. Be prepared. Help break the cycle of abuse.
Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a community responsibility. Most adults want to help but are unsure of how to get involved. If you think a child is being abused or neglected, you should report it as soon as you become aware of it.
Unexplained injuries, such as bruises
Extreme behaviors, such as excessive crying, truancy or running away
Poor hygiene and unsuitable clothing
Excessive fear of parent(s), caregiver(s) or going home
Depression or excessive crying
Poor peer relationships or inability to relate to children of the same age
Sudden change in behavior
Constant hunger, tiredness or lack of energy
Attention-seeking behaviors
Any act that causes harm or threatens the risk of harm to a teen by an individual who is in a current or former dating relationship with that teen. Teen dating abuse may be physical, sexual, financial, verbal or emotional in nature. While abuse often occurs as a pattern of controlling behavior, a single episode of abuse is cause for concern.
It is important for parent(s) to know whom your teens are dating and to talk with them about healthy relationships. Keep in mind that some teens may mistake attention as expressions of love when in fact they are warning signs of control.
Giving up things that are important
Isolation from friends
Changes in appearance, weight, grades or behavior
Unexplainable injuries
Fear of making partner angry
Preoccupied with pleasing partner
Apologizes for partner’s behavior
Excuses to questions about the relationship
If you or someone you know is being abused by a partner or family member, it is important to get help safely. If a victim chooses to leave an abusive relationship, for various reasons, it may take multiple attempts to leave. Providing non-judgmental support is critical.
Physical injuries such as broken bones or unexplained bruising
Claims of being “clumsy” or “accident prone”
Frequent absenteeism or tardiness
Isolation
Harassing phone calls, text messages, emails or notes on cars
Comments about stress at home
Talking about the spouse or partner’s anger or temper
Leaving work early or coming in late
Making mistakes on the job
Unexplained signs of injury
Untreated physical problems such as bed sores
Behavior from the elder that mimics dementia such as rocking, sucking or mumbling to oneself
Broken bones, sprains or dislocations
Caregiver’s refusal to allow you to see the elder alone
Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
Unusual weight loss, malnutrition or dehydration
Unsanitary living conditions such as dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes
In difficult circumstances, some of the most frequently asked questions and answers may help.
The “Where’s The Line?” campaign is a first-of-its-kind effort designed to increase awareness of family violence and to change the behaviors of individuals who may be witnessing such acts. For the purpose of the campaign, we refer to these individuals as “bystanders.”
Bystanders are three times more likely to intervene after seeing a bystander campaign. The Center for Family Safety and Healing (TCFSH) created “Where’s The Line?” to offer resources that can educate the general public, answer questions and triage requests to appropriate services.
The main objective of the campaign is to give bystanders in central Ohio a resource to safely and appropriately help victims.
“By focusing on the bystander and empowering people to be able to recognize all forms of family violence, we hope to encourage reporting.“
– Abigail S. Wexner, Founder & Board Chair, TCFSH
Bystanders say that they are not getting involved for fear of being wrong. We say make the call and risk being right.
Any act that causes harm or threatens the risk of harm to a child (under 18) by a parent, caregiver or another person. While all types of abuse and neglect can occur, the four common types of child abuse are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.
Any act that causes harm or threatens the risk of harm to a teen by an individual who is in a current or former dating relationship with that teen. Teen dating abuse may be physical, sexual, financial, verbal or emotional in nature. While abuse often occurs as a pattern of controlling behavior, a single episode of abuse is cause for concern.
When an abusive family member or partner causes harm or threatens the risk of harm to an individual with whom they are in a trusted relationship. Domestic violence may be physical, sexual, financial, verbal or emotional in nature. While abuse often occurs as a pattern of controlling behavior, a single episode of abuse is cause for concern.
Abuse occurs in all types of relationships and among people with varying backgrounds of age, race, religion, financial status, sexual orientation and education. Elder abuse is any act that causes harm or threatens the risk of harm to a person 60 years of age or older. Elder abuse may be physical, sexual, financial, verbal or emotional in nature and may also include neglect or exploitation.
There are some common signs that abuse may be occurring. Click below for information on the signs of abuse:
Unexplained injuries, such as bruises
Extreme behaviors, such as excessive crying, truancy or running away
Poor hygiene and unsuitable clothing
Excessive fear of parent(s), caregiver(s) or going home
Depression or excessive crying
Poor peer relationships or inability to relate to children of the same age
Sudden change in behavior
Constant hunger, tiredness or lack of energy
Attention-seeking behaviors
Giving up things that are important
Isolation from friends
Changes in appearance, weight, grades or behavior
Unexplainable injuries
Fear of making partner angry
Preoccupied with pleasing partner
Apologizes for partner’s behavior
Excuses to questions about the relationship
Physical injuries such as broken bones or unexplained bruising
Claims of being “clumsy” or “accident prone”
Frequent absenteeism or tardiness
Isolation
Harassing phone calls, text messages, emails or notes on cars
Comments about stress at home
Talking about the spouse or partner’s anger or temper
Leaving work early or coming in late
Making mistakes on the job
Unexplained signs of injury
Untreated physical problems such as bed sores
Behavior from the elder that mimics dementia such as rocking, sucking or mumbling to oneself
Broken bones, sprains or dislocations
Caregiver’s refusal to allow you to see the elder alone
Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
Unusual weight loss, malnutrition or dehydration
Unsanitary living conditions such as dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes
If an individual believes that they are witnessing an act of family violence and they have questions, they are encouraged to call, text or send an instant message for answers and advice that can help.
The resource line should not replace calling 911 in case of an emergency or any other 24-hour emergency crisis hotline.
Many victims avoid using the criminal justice system when experiencing family violence, for valid reasons. Because of this, a community response is necessary. Below are three common concerns that prevent bystanders from responding and several ways the campaign addresses those concerns.
I worry that the abuser may find out if I call and come after my loved ones or me.
I also worry that things might get worse if I call and stir things up.
You should be aware that calls, texts and instant messages are confidential sources of support.
I’m not confident that what I’m seeing is family violence.
I worry about what might happen if I’m wrong.
I’m not sure where to turn for advice.
Become aware and familiar with the signs of family violence.
You should feel encouraged to call and ask questions.
I recognize that something is going on that looks like family violence. However, I don’t want to be dragged into someone else’s drama.
I think someone else will take care of it.
What happens in someone’s home is none of my business.
Become knowledgeable about the impact you can make! Your call, text or message can really make a difference.
All calls, texts and instant messages are anonymous and confidential. The caller is greeted and asked how they could be helped. Texts and instant messages will be answered as they are received and are provided the link to our website for further information.
If the caller discloses there is immediate danger, the call will be transferred to 911. All efforts are made to provide the caller with the best response and appropriate resource.
The Information Coordinator (IC) at The Center for Family Safety and Healing manages the calls, texts and instant messages.
The IC uses reliable information tools and resources to help inform and to safely report or provide information to those in need.
These options are available Monday through Friday between
10AM and 6PM
Education and prevention are important steps to help break the cycle of family violence in the community. The Center for Family Safety and Healing offers educational trainings on how to recognize signs, how to respond appropriately and how to refer to community resources that can assist.
Trainings can be customized for schools, colleges/universities, faith-based organizations, healthcare systems, employers, legal systems, service providers and other audiences.
The Center for Family Safety and Healing is a private non-profit that fully addresses all aspects of family violence, including child abuse and neglect, teen dating abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse. For more information about The Center for Family Safety and Healing, visit or connect with us at:
Million Children nationally are affected by abuse each year
Children Die Every Day in the U.S. due to Neglect and Abuse
It only takes ONE decision to help a victim
Percent of U.S. Teens have been a victim of abuse by a dating partner
Our anonymous chat will connect you with the Information Coordinator to get specific advice.
Additional community resources, services, and information.
Learn how to recognize, respond and refer. Together, we can end family violence.
Educational trainings are available to learn how to recognize signs of family violence, how to respond appropriately and how to refer to community resources that can assist. Trainings can be customized for schools, colleges/universities, faith-based organizations, healthcare systems, employers, legal systems, service providers and other audiences.
Watch and share with others. Together, we can break the cycle of abuse.
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Text: 87028.
Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM.