Preventing Domestic Abuse - Important Information and Safety Tips

Domestic Abuse and Violence towards Woman & Children are at Unacceptable Levels. 

Here are some current statistics found on the internet -

1) One woman is assaulted every two minutes

2) 4 out of 10 assaults take place in the victims home

3) Nearly 2 in 3 female victims of violence are related to or knew their attacker.

4) Anywhere from 1-3 million women have been battered each year by their intimate partner.

5) According to the U.S. Surgeon General, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States.

6) It is estimates that more than a million women each year have been stalked by an intimate partner in the United States.

7) Each day 4 women die as a result of abuse.

8) Each day 3 children die as a result of abuse.

9) In 2005, teenage women (ages 12-19) experience 1.5 million violent crimes; this figure includes 75,354 sexual assault and rapes

Domestic violence occurs to all types of women regardless of income, age, race, education, or belief system. Domestic violence is a major contributing factor to other problems including child abuse, neglect, drug & alcohol abuse, emotional problems, job-loss, homelessness, and attempted suicide. Nearly one-third of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives.

Family violence costs the nation $ 24 billion annually in medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters and foster care, sick leave, absenteeism, and non-productivity. Indirect cost raise this to $84 billion. These statistics are grim reminders that domestic abuse and violence towards women and children is a real and dangerous problem for millions. We need to make every effort we can towards stopping the increasing violence and reversing the statistics.

The good news is there are people and agencies in almost every community that are helping women. People are helping each other battle this problem, one step at a time. There are many important steps we can take to help. Let's list some of these:

1) If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, it's important to act immediately. Get away from the abuse as soon as possible. Report the Abuse to your local agency or a woman's support organization. Help is available.

2) Be aware of warning signs to prevent you or someone you know from becoming a victim. The seeds of violence are often planted long before physical abuse takes place. Remove yourself from a potential violent situation or seek help in doing so.

3) Learn Important Home & Personal Safety Tips to help keep you and your family safe.

4) Donate time, supplies, money and other resources to local organizations and shelters. They need your help.

5) Support Public Awareness and Education - Public awareness is essential in keeping these issues on national, state and local agendas. Violence prevention begins in our schools and our public agencies. Education is the key to opening the door to a healthy and productive dialogue about domestic violence.