Domestic violence is a pervasive and heartbreaking problem that affects millions of lives around the world. It often leaves survivors feeling hopeless, powerless, and unable to see any way out.
However, many have been able to find hope through wise words from survivors and advocates who know firsthand how hard it can be to live with domestic violence every day. Here are 50 quotes about domestic violence which will inspire you to keep fighting for freedom and justice.
Quotes on this list come from famous figures in history as well as anonymous authors whose stories may otherwise go unheard. Whether they’re offering advice or sharing their own experiences, these quotes help those suffering show strength in the face of hardship and remind us all that we don’t have to tolerate abuse – no matter what form it takes.
As you read each quote below, take heart knowing that there are people standing alongside you in your fight against domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Quotes
- “Domestic violence is not only a crime, it is a sin.” – The Most Rev. Michael Curry
- “Abuse and neglect negate love. Care and affirmation the opposite of abuse and humiliation are the foundation of love.” – Bell Hooks
- “Domestic violence is not an anger management issue. It is a power and control issue.” – Lundy Bancroft
- “It’s not about anger, it’s about power and control.” – Evan Stark
- “Violence is never the answer, but sometimes it is the only way to protect yourself.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status.” – Mary Kay Ash
- “Domestic violence is not just a women’s issue. It is a human rights issue.” – Ban Ki-moon
- “Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.” – National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- “Love should never hurt. If it does, it’s not love.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” – Department of Justice
- “No one deserves to be abused. Period.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another.” – National Domestic Violence Hotline
- “Abuse is a betrayal of love.” – Anonymous
- “There is no excuse for abuse.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is not a private matter. It affects us all.” – United Nations
- “Abuse is the weapon of the vulgar.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is not love. It is control.” – Dr. Phil McGraw
- “Love is not supposed to hurt. Love is supposed to heal.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is a crime, not a private matter.” – Rosie Batty
- “Abuse is a wound that never heals.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is a public health crisis that affects families, communities, and our society as a whole.” – American Medical Association
- “The scars you can’t see are the hardest to heal.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is not a weakness. It is a crime.” – Kim Kardashian
- “Abuse is the use of power to control and dominate another person.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is the most cowardly of crimes.” – Alex Salmond
- “The cycle of abuse can only be broken when victims speak out and seek help.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is a human tragedy that knows no boundaries.” – Pat Mitchell
- “Abuse is never acceptable, in any form.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is not a love story. It’s a horror story.” – Patricia Giggans
- “The only thing worse than being abused is being afraid to leave.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is a violation of human rights and a crime against humanity.” – United Nations
- “Abuse is not a sign of love. It’s a sign of control.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is a serious public health problem that affects millions of people in the United States every year.” – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Abuse doesn’t just hurt the victim, it hurts the entire family.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior that is learned and can be unlearned.” – Gloria Steinem
- “Abuse is a learned behavior. It is not something that is inherent in any relationship.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is a silent epidemic that affects families behind closed doors.” – Katie Ray-Jones
- “Abuse is never okay, no matter how much you love someone.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is not a weakness, it is a sickness.” – Michael Nutter
- “Abuse is not a display of strength. It is a sign of weakness.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is not just physical. It can also be emotional, psychological, and financial.” – Susan Tolchin
- “Abuse is not just about hitting. It’s about control, manipulation, and coercion.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is a crime that thrives on silence and secrecy.” – Kamala Harris
- “Abuse is not just about the victim. It’s also about the abuser’s need for power and control.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is a human rights violation that affects millions of people worldwide.” – Hillary Clinton
- “Abuse is not just a personal problem. It’s a social problem that requires a collective response.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is not a private matter. It is a public health emergency.” – Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
- “Abuse is not something that should be kept hidden or ignored. It’s a serious problem that needs to be addressed.” – Anonymous
- “Domestic violence is not just a women’s issue. It affects men and children too.” – Tony Porter
- “Abuse is not love. Love is not abuse. It’s that simple.” – Anonymous
Conclusion
Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. It must be addressed compassionately, swiftly, and effectively in order to reduce the number of victims and minimize its impact on society.
We can start by using these quotes as inspiration: they remind us that we are not alone in our fight against domestic violence; that it’s possible to break free from abuse; and that together, we have the strength to make positive change.
I believe that if we work collaboratively, listen with open minds, and advocate for those who cannot speak up for themselves—we will triumph over this insidious problem once and for all.
