Information and Statistics on Domestic Violence
¤ National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October across the country.
¤ Nearly 5.3 million incidents of domestic violence occur each year among U.S. women ages 18 and older, and 3.2 million occur among men (CDC 2000).
¤ Domestic violence results in nearly 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths nationwide every year (CDC 2003).
¤ The U.S. Department of Justice reported that 37% of all women who sought care in hospital emergency rooms for violence-related injuries were injured by a current or former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend.
¤ Domestic violence affects everyone in the community and certain myths need to be dispelled. People often say' that they were raised in a "good" or "normal" family and believe domestic violence happens only to "bad" families.
¤ Statistics show myths such as this not to be true. Batterers and victims come from all races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, religious affiliations, occupations and educational backgrounds.
¤ Domestic violence and its victims still bear an undeserved stigma in our society and until we all understand its nature, the batterers and the victims, the cycle will continue. No one is immune but with education and awareness, people can prevent tragedy from claiming more lives.
¤ Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects children living in the home, and who may become victims themselves. Seniors too can be at risk for elder abuse, by in -home caretakers.
¤ Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by an individual to establish and maintain control over another individual.
¤ Batterers use violence or threats to obtain and maintain control. They blame others for their violence and don't take responsibility for their actions. They blame their abusive behavior on stress, anger, jealousy and the victim. There are three phases, or cycle of violence:
¤ Phase 1: Increased tension, anger, blaming and arguing.
¤ Phase 2: Hitting, slapping, kicking, choking, and use of weapons. Sexual abuse and verbal threats.
¤ Phase 3: Calm stage when the perpetrator may deny violence, say it was because of alcohol or drug abuse, apologize and promise it will never happen again.
¤ There are five simple things you can say to someone who is living with domestic violence:
¤ You neither do nor deserve to be abused.
¤ I am afraid for your safety.
¤ I am afraid for the safety of your children.
¤ The violence will only get worse.
¤ There are people to help when you are ready.
¤ Who Batters?
¤ Batters come from all races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, religious affiliations, occupations, and educational backgrounds.
¤ Jealousy and possessiveness
¤ Violence or threats to obtain and maintain control
¤ Blaming others for their violence, not taking responsibility for their actions
¤ Controlling or monitoring who the victim sees, or where the victim goes, including work
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