October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, reminding us that an end to domestic violence can start with just one small action - whether that is to seek help or to share resources. Today, we will do our best to provide useful information and resources. While, later this month, we will discuss the cyclical relationship between domestic violence and mental health.
Every year, nearly 10 million Americans will become a victim of domestic violence.
Typically, when we think of domestic violence, our minds inherently associate with violence against women. However, if anything positive has come from the recent media circus surrounding the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard trial, it is the awareness that the trial brought to intimate partner violence against men. In fact, it is far more common than you might think, with 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men having experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Domestic violence can happen to anyone.
Domestic Violence Statistics
It is estimated 20 Americans experience intimate partner physical violence each minute.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence (beating, burning, strangling, etc.) by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.
1 in 7 women and 1 in 18 men have been stalked by an intimate partner to the point in which they were very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed.
The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.
A study of intimate partner homicides found that 20% of victims were not the intimate partners themselves, but rather family members, friends, neighbors, persons who intervened, law enforcement responders, or innocent bystanders.
72% of all murder-suicides involve an intimate partner, of which 94% of the victims are female.
Domestic Violence Warning Signs
Domestic violence does not always look the same, but here are some warning signs/abusive behaviors to be aware of in a relationship: (provided by the National Domestic Violence Hotline)
Telling you that you never do anything right.
Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members, or peers.
Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
Destroying your belongings or your home.
Domestic Violence Resources
Never feel ashamed, embarrassed, or hesitant to ask for help if you feel you may be in an abusive relationship. Resources are available.
On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. So, even if you are not a victim yourself, please share these resources in hopes they find their way to someone who needs them.
National Domestic Hotline: Phone: 1(800)799-SAFE (7233) or Text: Text “START” to 88788