Domestic Violence

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors in the context of an intimate relationship. Abusive behaviors are used by one individual to control or exert power over another individual.

Domestic violence typically increases in frequency and severity over time. It often begins as emotional abuse and escalates to physical abuse. Both emotional and physical abuse can be devastating for the individual.

Physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse are ALL forms of domestic violence.

Did you know?
• 85% of victims of domestic violence are women. 15% are men.
• 1 of every teens is in an ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP during adolescence
• domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women ages 15 to 44 in the U.S.—more than rapes, muggings and car accidents combined
• 1 in 4 women will experience spousal abuse/domestic violence in their lifetime
• an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical abuse by an intimate partner each year
• in 2005, there were 1,637 domestic violence shelters in the U.S. That same year, there were about 5,000 animal shelters

What can you do?
* become an active bystander
* contact your university’s or area’s local woman’s center or shelter
* volunteer
* speak up and speak out
* stay aware of your friends and family