Domestic Violence Facts

Many of the domestic violence facts out there may need some interpreting before actually accepting them as truths. At times, something that appears to be straightforward may be more complicated than we originally had thought. Distinguishing the domestic violence facts that hold true even upon first glance from the ones that need some explanation is very important.

For example, domestic violence facts point to African American women facing physical or sexual abuse from their partners far more often than Caucasian or Hispanic women. Does this mean that African American men are more likely to assault their spouse or girlfriend? The answer is not necessarily. Other domestic violence facts have shown that Caucasian and Hispanic women are actually less likely to report an incident of domestic violence than an African American woman.

Hispanic women feel a very strong allegiance to their family, to a point where even if they are being abused, they are more likely to be silent about it. For Caucasian women, looking into domestic violence facts show that they often use other resources and do not feel the need to call the police and file a report. Caucasian women will more often go to battered women shelters and have better access to an attorney.

There are plenty of domestic violence facts that need this type of interpretation so that people do not get the wrong idea. Misinformation has been plaguing our society and has only increased since the Internet came into the picture. Reports are available for free that delve deep into these issues so that the public can better understand domestic violence facts.

Domestic Violence Against Women

This may not seem like a surprise to many, but domestic violence against women accounts for a large majority of domestic violence cases within the United States. Statistics have shown that the number of cases of domestic violence against women each year is over 1.3 million, which is an astounding number. It is especially shocking because domestic violence against women is most prevalent in the age range of 20-24. Those are very young ages for people to have such disgusting habits and disregard for their partner, although it is unacceptable no matter what ages are involved.

It is difficult for those that have not been in a household with domestic violence against women to understand the motive behind it. It is very often that people that were abused as a child or witnessed abuse go on to become violent individuals as adults. Studies have shown that people from violent households are much more likely to have psychological issues, and going right along with that is males growing up to commit domestic violence against women. Without therapy available to the people that need it, this type of violence is going to continue.

If you or somebody you know has experienced some form of abuse and you do not know what you should do about it, there are hotlines available that specialize in domestic violence against women. Here is a national hotline (1.800.799.SAFE) for people to call, but there are also local ones that may be able to do more to help the situation.

Domestic Violence Victims

It is very important that domestic violence victims know that they have options and they do not need to stay in unhealthy situations. Very often, domestic violence victims are afraid of leaving their partner or are unsure of what they would do after taking that step. This is why it is recommended that they develop a “safety plan”. A safety plan assures domestic violence victims, if planned correctly, a safe departure from their violent home. Included in these plans are a place to stay, obtaining a court order against the abuser, and an array of other measures that must be taken.

For domestic violence victims to completely escape their situations and move forward, there are a number of actions that they must take. Firstly, they need to get away for their abuser. There are shelters available to domestic violence victims that provide all of the human necessities, and many even provide a temporary cell phone so that the domestic violence victims can contact the people they need to. Next, they should obtain an attorney and find out what type of legal recourse they have available to them. Victims should also cease contact with their abuser, the abuser’s friends, and their family.

Knowing exactly what to do is something that should be researched thoroughly before taking a huge leap. Speaking with an attorney will provide domestic violence victims with all the information that they need. For any domestic violence victims out there that are looking to take that first big step, call the national hotline (1.800.799.SAFE).

Domestic Violence Definitions

Before anyone can join the coalition against domestic violence, it is necessary to understand the actual domestic violence definition. The true domestic violence definition is that it is a pattern of abuse that is perpetrated by a member of an intimate relationship. There is a common misunderstanding that women are the only ones that face abuse from their intimate partners, but that simply is not true. A part of the domestic violence definition is that it can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender.

The meaning that domestic violence has taken these days is that it is only between men and women that are married or dating but that is another misconception. The domestic violence definition states that the abuse is between members of an intimate relationship. This can of course mean dating or marriage, but it also includes child abuse, violence between family members and individuals that share the same home, or even friends.

The domestic violence definition outlines several different types of abuse that fall under this umbrella. There is physical abuse such as striking (open palm or closed), biting, kicking, or any other action that would cause physical pain. There is sexual abuse, which involves unwanted, non-consensual sexual contact. This could be rape, molestation, or attempts at doing so. Also included in the domestic violence definition is emotional abuse. This type of abuse usually involves intimidation, insults, and the lowering of self esteem, just to name a few.

Be aware of what constitutes domestic violence so that you can recognize the signs more easily.

Domestic Violence Statistics

It can be difficult to understand the gravity of a situation until you see just how many people are being affected and how. These are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins that are face to face with the problem of domestic violence. In fact, many of you out there may have had some experience with it yourself. Some of the numbers here will be shocking, but it is important that we all become familiar with how the citizens of our country are suffering. Without a full understanding of the problem, we will not be able to figure out how exactly to combat it effectively. Take a look at these statistics and then find out what you can do to help.

1. Over 1/4 of women were raped sexually assaulted at some point by their partner at some point in their life. That is one in every four women in the United States. Think about how many women you interact with on a daily basis, and then think about how many of them have had to deal with an act of sexual violence. For men the number is a bit lower, but still significant. Around 8% of men have been raped or sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

2. More than 50% of women that are killed by a firearm are murdered by their partner. As much as people worry about strangers and the potential threat that they pose, the statistics show that women should be just as worried if not more that their spouse or boyfriend will be holding the firearm than a stranger.

3. Nearly 1.5 million women are physically assaulted by their partner every single year in the US. Somewhat surprising is the fact that the number of men that are assaulted is close to 850,000. It seems as though the amount of men that are facing violence from their partner is not as low as many believe.

4. Women between the ages of 20 and 24 are the most age group that is most likely to face violence from a partner.

5. Close to 33% of women that are murdered are killed by an intimate partner.

6. Of the women that are stalked by a former partner, 81% of them had been physically abused by them.

7. 18% of women that experience domestic violence do not report it to authorities.

8. Of the African American population, 31% of women claim to have been abused in some way, whether sexually or physically.

9. 50% of homicides of female partners and 75% of batteries occur after the couple is separated. Their partners are simply unable to take the rejection and then use violence as a way to take back control.

10. Families or couples that have lower economic standings are more likely to have violence within their home.

Hopefully these statistics have provided you all with some enlightenment on this subject. According to the numbers, there is a good chance that many of the people that you know and love are suffering violence silently and may not know what they can do to help their situations. Learn to recognize the signs of domestic violence so that you can do your part to help those that may be too afraid to help themselves.