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"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.” -The Department of Justice |
- Children who witness domestic abuse are negatively affected.
- Witnessing abuse in the home teaches a child that violence is a normal way to deal with problems.
- Economic cost on society.
- The medical expenses of abuse victims, missed work, and therapy adds up. The cost has been estimated to be around 5.8 billion; 4.1 billion was for medical and mental health costs.
- Counseling can be very beneficial.
- It is not unusual for a victim of domestic violence to develop alcoholism, drug addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression or other mental illnesses.
- Increased health problems in women.
- Chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and eating disorders.
- Higher levels of sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal infections, kidney infections and bleeding during pregnancy.
Cycle of violence.
Types of Abuse
Physical abuse is causing physical harm through bodily force.
Sexual abuse is when one is forced to engage in a sexual act against their will.
Psychological abuse (also known as emotional abuse) entails causing someone mental anguish. This could be in the form of physical threats to the victim or the victim’s loved ones. It could also involve destruction of property and being isolated from other people.
Economic abuse is when one is blocked from their money in an attempt to create dependents and it often fosters isolation.
The Stats
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Roughly 3 women a day are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the United States
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In 2008, women experienced 2 million injuries from intimate partner violence.
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1 in 4women in the U.S. has experienced violence by a spouse or boyfriend.
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Women make up 84% of spousal abuse victims.
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There were 248,300 rapes/sexual assaults in the United States in 2007; that’s more than 500 per day.
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90% of battered women’s children witness their abuse.
Risk Factors
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Individual Risk Factors
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Relationship Factors
Societal Factors
*Center for Disease Control |
Where to Find Help
Hotlines:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE
National Sexual Assault Online Hotline
Safe Horizons
Crime Victims Hotline, 800-621-4673
Rape and Sexual Assault & Incest Hotline, 212-227-3000
Other Organizations:
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 303-839-1852, mainoffice@ncadv.org
References
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Center for Disease Control. (2010). Intimate Partner Violence: Risk and protective factors.
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Department of Health and Human Services. (2003). Costs of intimate partner violence against women in the United States. DHHS: Atlanta.
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Feminist Majority Foundations. (2013). Domestic Violence: National Hotlines and Resources.
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Futures without Violence. (2013). Get the facts: The Facts on domestic dating and sexual violence.
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National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (n.d.). Domestic violence facts. NCADV: Washington DC.
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The Advocates for Human Rights. (2013). Health effects of domestic violence.
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The National Domestic Violence Hotline. (2012). Counseling for domestic violence.
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Womenshealth.gov. (2011). Violence against women: Domestic and intimate partner violence.
Publication date: Jan. 1, 2013
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