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FAST FACTS
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Domestic violence is the number one cause of injury to women in the United States.• • • • • • • • Nearly 4 million women are abused each year by their spouses or intimate partners. Nearly 31% of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. Almost more than half of female victims of domestic violence live in households with children under the age of 12. Millions of children are exposed to domestic violence each year. Witnessing violence is a risk factor for long-term physical and mental health problems, including alcohol & substance abuse, being a victim of abuse, and being a perpetrator. The costs of intimate partner violence exceeds $5.8 billion each year-- $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health care services, much of which is paid for by employers. CASA served 1,962 victims of domestic violence in FY2005. CASA's 24 hour hotline received 18,210 domestic violence-related calls in FY2005. Sources: U.S. Dept. of Justice; National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women; CASA, Inc. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior used to establish power and control over another person--usually an intimate partner. It happens when one person believes they are entitled to control another and can include physical, psychological, emotional, verbal, sexual, and/or economic abuse. Why does domestic violence happen? Abusive relationships can develop gradually. There is a definite cycle that combines the good times with often subtle abusive acts that allow the abuser to gain power and control over the relationship and, eventually, lead the victim to emotional dependence and learned helplessness. By the time a pattern has emerged there are often children involved, financial ties, and emotional bonds that are difficult to break. TYPES OF ABUSE PHYSICAL: slapping, hitting, punching, pinching, shoving, pushing, grabbing, biting, preventing partner from entering or leaving a room/house, restraining, abandoning partner in a dangerous place, throwing objects, destroying property, refusing to assist with medical care. EMOTIONAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL: isolating partner from family and friends, ignoring partner's feelings, calling derogatory names, constant criticism, accusations of infidelity, manipulating with lies, threats (to leave, take away the children, etc.), excessive possessiveness. SEXUAL: forcing sex or specific sexual acts, minimizing the importance of partner's feelings towards sex, criticizing partner's sexual performance, publicly showing interest in other women. VERBAL: name calling, using a threatening tone of voice, degrading comments, interrogating partner, blaming partner. ECONOMIC: preventing partner from working, refusing to work or share money, restricting partner to an allowance, taking or hiding money, not letting partner be involved in money-making decisions THE CYCLE OF ABUSE There is a distinct three phase cycle in abusive relationships. The cycle is kept going by a combination of emotions including love, hope, fear, and denial that give the abuser power and control over the relationship.  THE EFFECTS ON VICTIMS Because domestic violence is often viewed as a private matter between those involved, victims may not seek the help and support that they deserve. Instead, they accept abusive behavior as a "part of life" and live with shame, embarrassment, and isolation. In hope that the problem will go away, many victims make excuses for the abuser, rationalize abusive acts, or blame themselves. Others deny or do not even realize that they are, in fact, in a domestic violence situation. Results can include loss of self-esteem, anxiety, detachment from family and friends, homelessness, severe beatings, and death. THE EFFECTS ON CHILDREN Children of domestic violence are fifteen times more likely to be abused or neglected than the average child. The devastating results of the physical, sexual and mental injuries commonly endured by these children include: •
Low self-esteem• • • • • • • • • Constant anxiety Guilt Developmental delays Withdrawal and self-abuse Fear of abandonment Alcohol and drug experimentation Continuation of abusive behavior Aggressive behavior towards others Death by homicide or suicide As a result of life in an abusive environment, many children receive the message that violence is normal. They learn that abuse is used to resolve conflict and is acceptable behavior when coming from those they love. What can I do if I know someone who is in an abusive relationship? Over 55% of Americans say they know someone who has been involved in an abusive relationship. There are some basic steps that you can take to help. First, encourage the person to express their hurt and anger and be an active listener. A simple, honest response like, "that's abuse" can help to validate any uncertain feelings. Don't try to "see the other side"--there is no other side when it comes to abuse. Avoid putting down the abuser as this could make the victim defensive. Instead, give support and understanding and allow the person to make their own decisions, even if it means they are not ready to leave the abusive relationship. Share information about available resources, reinforce concern for any children involved, encourage them to keep a record of all abusive incidents, and maintain confidentiality. Remember to assure them that the abuse is not their fault AND they are not alone--many people are in abusive situations and find it difficult to leave. What can I do if I am in an abusive relationship? If you're experiencing any type of abuse, it's important to recognize the situation and realize that you do not have to take it. Devise a safety plan and practice how to get out safely during an explosive incident. Contact our 24 hour hotline at 301.739.8975 (301.739.1012 TTY) for information about shelter, counseling, legal rights, and other support services. If you are threatened and fear for your life, call 911 immediately. return to top |