What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain and maintain power and control over their intimate partner.  Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions used to influence another person behaviors and choices. This includes behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, or injure someone. Domestic violence affects people of all cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels, and sexual orientation.

Domestic violence is nationally recognized as a public health issue and causes serious health-related consequences.  Victims and survivors may experience physical injuries like broken bones or head trauma, and endure long- term effects due to chronic stress and anxiety.

The Facts…

•  85% of domestic violence victims are women.
•  1/4 of women worldwide will experience domestic/dating violence in their lifetime.
•   Women between the ages of 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence.
•  Domestic violence is most likely to take place between 6 pm and 6 am.
•  As many as 324,000 women each year experience intimate partner violence during their pregnancy.
•  Boys who witness domestic violence are 2 times as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.
•  Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
•  1/2 of all homeless women and children in the U.S. are fleeing from domestic violence.
•  Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.
•  33% of all police time is spent responding to domestic disturbance calls.

Support:

The New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-572-SAFE

24-hour, 7-day-a-week confidential hotline