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What is Domestic Abuse?
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Domestic abuse is unfortunately a problem in all societies, one that cuts across cultural and class boundaries. It is a pattern of behaviors where the abuser tries to control the victim. The abuse can take many forms, including some or all of the following: verbal, emotional, psychological, financial abuse, as well as physical battery and sexual violence.
WBFN has worked to raise awareness about abuse, and has worked with the World Bank Group to counteract the special obstacles victims in our international community often face in trying to deal with their situation. We have produced informational literature, including brochures, and articles which have been published regularly in Mosaic, beginning in 2000. | | | Our informational BROCHURE on Domestic Abuse is designed specially for our WBG community. It was developed by WBFN in 2001, and revised in 2004. The brochure includes a definition of domestic abuse, its symptoms, effects on children, how to help a victim, and help resources for victims, and also for those abusers who wish to change their behavior. | 
Click on Image
above to download
the Brochure | These resources include community, as well as WBG-specific resources, the most important of which is The HUB. This brochure is distributed by WBFN to all new spouses/partners, and is always available from men's and women's restrooms in WBG headquarters in Washington DC. You can download and print the latest version of the brochure by clicking on the left image. Alternatively, you may write, visit, or call the WBFN office at 202-473-8751 to get a copy. | Our ARTICLES on domestic abuse are available from our regularly updated archive, for you to read or download and/or print. This archive includes an initial series of 11 articles, published between 2000 and 2002, which covered different aspects of abuse.  These articles have been distributed as a booklet, available in English, French and Spanish. The booklet can be found in the archive in a printer-friendly version. Alternatively, you may write, visit, or call the WBFN office at 202-473-8751 to get a copy. |  In response to WBFN advocacy on combating domestic abuse, the WBG has since early 2004 provided free, confidential, and specialized help and referral services via an external contractor, for those in our community who are in abusive relationships. This service, called The HUB, is available to staff members, and to their family members. The HUB offers around-the-clock helpline for crisis help. Counseling can be provided in many languages other than English. The HUB is located off-site in downtown Washington. Information about The HUB is found on business cards displayed in all Bank restrooms, and is also incorporated into the brochure mentioned above. Call The HUB on 202-628-2288 . |
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Additional information on issues relating to domestic abuse can be found in
 Our manual, Planning Makes a Difference, as well as the orientation brochure, It’s Good to Know (downloadable version will soon be available.)
The most important single community resource available for information on domestic abuse, and resources, is the National Domestic Violence Hotline, reached 24 hours, 7 days on 1-800-799-7233.
There are several excellent websites that provide information on domestic abuse. Just a few are shown below as links. Exploring the links from the sites listed below will lead you to more information on the nature and scope of this issue, and resources available to those seeking help.
Not to People Like Us
National Coalition Against Violence
American Bar Association
Family Violence Prevention Fund
Note that the above resources are also listed in our domestic abuse brochure.
Most of our local jurisdictions have “Domestic Violence Intake Centers”. These provide counseling, identification of legal options, and other relevant information, and can help victims prepare for a Protection Order petition. Call during office hours:
| | Washington DC: | 202-879-0152 | Montgomery
County: | 240-777-4195
240-777-4000
240-777-4815 | | Northern Virginia: | 703-281-2657 |
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