October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Center for Disease Control estimates that in the United States nearly 20 people per minute are victims of physical violence by an intimate partner.
Here are a few other startling statistics you should be aware of.
Here are a few other startling statistics you should be aware of.
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime
- 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime
- 1 in 7 women and1 in 18 men have experienced stalking victimization during their lifetime in which they felt very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed.
- On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.
- Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.
- Intimate partner violence is most common among women between the ages of 18 – 24.
What is Battering
Battering is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person with whom an intimate relationship is or has been shared through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence.
Domestic violence is not just limited to those who are married or have live-in partners. Dating violence is also a problem, as is abuse to the elderly and children who may also be living in the home.
Abuse generally falls into one or more of the following categories: physical battering, sexual assault and emotional or psychological abuse. The abuse generally escalates over a period of time.
Men are victims, too
Domestic violence is not just a woman’s issue; it’s a human issue. Its affects are widespread and impact all races and ethnicities, incomes, and sexual orientations. No one is exempt.
Silence is the issue
Exact statistics on how many people are victims of domestic violence are hard to gather. Often the abuse goes unreported. There are many reasons for why this happens.
Shame and embarrassment, fear, economical and emotional dependence, and even societal expectations are all possible explanations for why so many victims remain silent.
Look for the signs
There are many signs of an abusive relationship. The most telling sign is fear of your partner. If you are afraid of your partner chances are your relationship is unhealthy and abusive.
Other signs that you may be in an abusive relationship include a partner who belittles you or tries to control you, and feelings of self-loathing, helplessness, and desperation.
You can visit the HELPGUIDE.org for a more comprehensive chart to help determine whether you’re a victim of domestic violence.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
If you recognize yourself or someone you know in the following warning signs and descriptions of abuse, reach out. There is help available.
In the US: visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call them at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).
Battering is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person with whom an intimate relationship is or has been shared through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence.
Domestic violence is not just limited to those who are married or have live-in partners. Dating violence is also a problem, as is abuse to the elderly and children who may also be living in the home.
Abuse generally falls into one or more of the following categories: physical battering, sexual assault and emotional or psychological abuse. The abuse generally escalates over a period of time.
Men are victims, too
Domestic violence is not just a woman’s issue; it’s a human issue. Its affects are widespread and impact all races and ethnicities, incomes, and sexual orientations. No one is exempt.
Silence is the issue
Exact statistics on how many people are victims of domestic violence are hard to gather. Often the abuse goes unreported. There are many reasons for why this happens.
Shame and embarrassment, fear, economical and emotional dependence, and even societal expectations are all possible explanations for why so many victims remain silent.
Look for the signs
There are many signs of an abusive relationship. The most telling sign is fear of your partner. If you are afraid of your partner chances are your relationship is unhealthy and abusive.
Other signs that you may be in an abusive relationship include a partner who belittles you or tries to control you, and feelings of self-loathing, helplessness, and desperation.
You can visit the HELPGUIDE.org for a more comprehensive chart to help determine whether you’re a victim of domestic violence.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
If you recognize yourself or someone you know in the following warning signs and descriptions of abuse, reach out. There is help available.
In the US: visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call them at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).