DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FACTS

Did you know . . . .

Domestic violence is the #1 cause of injury ages 14 – 55 — more than car accidents, muggings & rapes combined  

Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behaviors that one partner uses to get power over the other.  It includes: physical violence or threat of physical violence to get control, emotional or mental abuse and sexual abuse

Domestic violence occurs in all races, socio-economic classes, religious affiliations, occupations & educational backgrounds

Domestic violence is rarely an isolated event — tends to increase & become more violent over time

Someone is beaten by their spouse/partner every 9 seconds

On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States

More than 12 million women and men are victims of domestic violence over the course of a year

3-4 million people are beaten in their homes each year by partners or ex-partners

85% of domestic violence victims are women

1 : 4 women and 1 : 7 men over the age of 18 will experience domestic violence in their lifetime

Women between the ages of 20 – 24 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence

25 – 45% of all women battered are battered during pregnancy

Half of all homeless women and children in the U.S. are fleeing from domestic violence

1 : 12 women and 1 : 45 men have been stalked in their lifetime

Witnessing violence is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violence from one generation to the next

Boys who witness domestic violence are 2 times as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults

In 60% to 80% of intimate partner homicides, no matter which partner was killed, the man physically abused the woman before the murder

The costs of domestic violence amount to more than $37 billion a year in law enforcement involvement, legal work, medical and mental health treatment, and lost productivity at companies

Children who witness violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners & children as adults

30 – 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children

Children of violent homes display emotional and behavioral disturbances like withdrawal, low self-esteem, nightmares, self-blame and aggression against peers, family, animals & property

Are you concerned that someone you care about is experiencing abuse?

If someone you love is being abused, it can be so difficult to know what to do. There are many reasons why people stay in abusive relationships, and leaving can be a very dangerous time for a victim.

Abuse is about power and control, so one of the most important ways you can help a person in an abusive relationship is to consider how you might empower them to make their own decisions. Offer support :

• Acknowledge That They Are In A Very Difficulty and Scary Situation – Be Supportive and Listen
• Be Non-Judgemental
• If They End The Relationship, Continue To Be Supportive of Them
• Encourage Them To Participate In Activities Outside of The Relationship with Friends & Family
• Help Them Develop A Safety Plan
• Encourage Them To Talk To People Who Can Provide Help & Guidance
• Offer To Go with Them If They Have to Go To Police, Court, Attorney, Etc.

If you need help, find a local domestic violence agency or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) to get help.

https://www.thehotline.org

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