Emergency Help

About Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is a pattern of coercive behavior used by one person to gain power and control over another. It affects women and men, crossing all cultural, racial, and economic lines, regardless of sexual orientation. Domestic violence also affects children, causing trauma, blame, guilt, shame, physical and emotional illness. It affects communities, impacting public health, crime, and civic participation.

For a victim of Domestic Violence every decision and relationship is impacted by the intimidation, fear, and isolation.

Did You Know...

  • For women between 15 and 44, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury - more common than car accidents, muggings and cancer deaths combined.
silhouette photo of a man and a woman having an argument
  • 1 in 3 women will experience violence from their partners.
  • 40% of 14- to 17-year-old girls report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a partner.
  • Domestic Violence teaches those who witness it to expect violence. A child's exposure to a father abusing a mother is the strongest risk factor for transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next. Child witnesses are 3 times more likely to hit their wives.
  • Husbands and boyfriends commit 13,000 acts of violence against women in the workplace every year.
  • Family violence costs the nation from $5 to $10 billion annually in medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters, foster care, sick leave, absenteeism and non-productivity.

No One Should Ignore Domestic Violence.