Information/Facts About Domestic Violence

• FACT: Women account for 85% of the victims of intimate partner violence.


• FACT: 75% of young men and women ages 16-24 know someone who listens to sonts, plays video games, etc. that depict violence against women. 72% said that such exposure makes the person (much or somewhat) less sensitive to violence.


• FACT: Violence against women costs companies $727.8 million annually due to lost productivity.


• FACT: Nearly one-third of American women report being physically or sexually abused by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.


• FACT: Thirty percent of Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend in the past year.


• FACT: One in four teens will experience an abusive relationship before they reach age 18; only one in twenty-five will ever tell a parent, teacher, or other adult with resources to help.


• FACT: As many as 324,000 women each year experience intimate partner violence during their pregnancy.


• FACT: Women of all races are about equally vulnerable to violence by an intimate partner.


• FACT: Eight percent of high school age girls said “yes” when asked if a “boyfriend or date has ever forced sex against your will.”


• FACT: Slightly more than half of female victims of intimate violence live in households with children under age 12.

Why doesnt she just leave? Surely, you've asked yourself that question. Here are just a few of the reasons.

*When she does leave, her risk of serious violence or death increases dramatically.
*Many have become isolated from friends and family.
*Many are not employed outside the home or have to property that is solely thiers.
*During non-violent phases, an abuser may be a loving, apologetic parter.
*There are cultural messages about "saving" a marriage.

For facts on domestic violence, visit: www.usdoj.gov/ovw, and www.ncadv.org.