Domestic violence is a pattern of physical, sexual, psychological and/or economic assaultive and coercive behaviors against intimate partners. It does not have to be physical abuse.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FACTS
- 20 people per minute are victims of physical violence by an intimate partner in the U.S.
- 69.4 million—the approximate number of women and men in the U.S. who experience physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime
- Nearly 1 in 3 women in the U.S. will experience domestic violence in their lifetime
- Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. men experience domestic violence in their lifetime
- Only 53% of domestic violence incidents were reported in 2012
- Domestic violence rates are highest among 18-35 year olds; 61%-81% of DV incidents for this age group have children present
- Domestic violence affects individuals and families regardless of socio-economic status, education levels, ethnicity, race, or religion
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS A COMMUNITY ISSUE
Domestic violence and the impact on our communities is devastating and costly.
- Increased Healthcare Costs: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that the direct physical and mental health care costs of domestic violence in the U.S. are over $4 billion per year. Victims of domestic violence have twice the health care visits and utilization of medical services compared to those not experiencing domestic violence
- Higher Utilization of Public Services such as police, fire, and/or social service programs
- Employers report lower productivity and lost revenue
- Young and adolescent children living in households where domestic violence occurs “act-out” at school, requiring special attention, special counseling, and other services
- Domestic violence impacts community quality of life
SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS ABUSED
If you have witnessed, heard, or suspect someone you know is being abused, you can help by listening to her or him. Many victims feel they have no one to turn to, so simply being there for someone is an important first step because it breaks the loneliness and isolation, and offers hope. Help the victim recognize that abuse is not “normal,” and also not their fault. Tell the victim that you are concerned for her or his safety and want to help.
Find out about the counseling, housing, and other Services Haven Hills offers to victims of domestic violence and their children, and share this information. Learn the phone number of Haven Hills’ 24/7 CRISIS Line by heart—818.887.6589 and encourage the person you know to learn it too.