Domestic Violence and Abuse

Sexual and intimate partner abuse is a worldwide epidemic, domestic violence affects all genders but an estimated 1 out of 3 women will experience it at some point during their lives.

If you are a victim, it is never your fault. There is no rhyme or reason to abuse, you deserve respect.

CRISIS CONTACTS

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 911 (or find your national number on this page)

1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
Live chat

thehotline.org

1-866-879-6636 (USWOMEN)
International toll-free

pathwaystosafety.org

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 911 (or find your national number on this page)

 

1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
suicidepreventionlifeline.org

 

IMALIVE.org
Virtual crisis center

Listings of suicide hotlines worldwide

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 911 (or find your national number on this page)

1-866-331-9474
Text “LOVEIS” to 22522
loveisrespect.org
1-800-422-4453 (4-A-Child)
childhelp.org
1-866-488-7386
Text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200
thetrevorproject.org

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 911 (or find your national number on this page)

 

Crisis Text Line
Text “HOME” to 741741
crisistextline.org

 

1-800-273-8255
Text “ANSWER” to 839863
crisiscallcenter.org
Domestic Violence Cybersecurity

DIY Cybersecurity for Domestic Violence, by HACK*BLOSSOM is an incredible resource on protecting yourself from domestic violence that is perpetrated through technology. Information about what to do if someone has access to your private accounts, if someone is tracking your movements through your phone, or what to do if you need to flee an abuser. Please check it out.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Myths

Only women are abuse victims

Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of gender or sexuality. Estimates say 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience intimate partner violence.

Guns don't kill people

In domestic violence cases, having a gun at home increased the likelihood of murder by 500%.

Men can't be raped by women

Rape is sex without consent, anyone can become a rape victim. In the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped at some point during their lifetime.

Rapists are stranger danger

In the United States, almost half of all rapes are perpetrated by an acquaintance or intimate partner of the victim.

Most victims report violence to the authorities

Many victims of sexual assault and domestic violence never report what happened. The shame, stigma, and victim blaming can severely impact the lives of survivors who come forward. Lax sentences also mean abusers may strike again even with punishment.

Most people who come forward are lying for money

Only an estimated 2% of reports are false. Many victims never come forward because they watch as the accused get accolades and even become elected president.

Mental Health Concerns

People with mental illnesses are more likely to be victims of domestic violence of all kinds, including emotional and physical abuse. The rates of abuse are even higher among those with severe mental illnesses.*

Victims of DV Experience...

  • 54% to 84% PTSD
  • 63% to 77% depression
  • 38% to 75% anxiety5

Mental Health Concerns

People with mental illnesses are more likely to be victims of domestic violence of all kinds, including emotional and physical abuse. The rates of abuse are even higher among those with severe mental illnesses.*

Victims of DV Experience...

  • 54% to 84% PTSD
  • 63% to 77% depression
  • 38% to 75% anxiety5

Financial Abuse

Economic abuse is a form of DV where the abuser restricts access to funds. Lack of financial resources is a very common reason many people stay in abusive relationships. But there are free options that can help.

Legal info for US residents
Nerdwallet.com tips and advice
Forbes article with links to resources

My Ex Used Finances Against Me

"One of the worst fights broke out when I purchased tomatoes from a slightly more expensive store than the one he told me to go to. He stood in the doorway of the living room, repeating the same phrase over and over: 'I pay your life! Why didn’t you learn the first or second time?'

"I attempted to respond, but he barked at me to stop ranting and pulled me towards the kitchen."

Keep Reading...
$+
Cost of intimate partner violence yearly3
+
Paid work days lost 2
$+
Low estimate of yearly cost to world economy4
%

In 98% of domestic violence situations, economic abuse is present.1

%

An estimated 21-60% of domestic violence victims lose their jobs and they lose their jobs because of complications that stem from abuse.2

Adams, A. A. (2011). Measuring the Effects of Domestic Violence on Women’s Financial Wellbeing. CFS Research Brief, 5(6). Retrieved from centerforfinancialsecurity.com

NCADV. Statistics. Retrieved from ncadv.org/learn-more/statistics

Rothman, E. F., Hathaway, J., Stidsen, A., & de Vries, H. F. (2007). How employment helps female victims of intimate partner violence: A qualitative study. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 12(2), 136-143. doi:
10.1037/1076-8998.12.2.136

Breiding, M. J., Smith, S. G., Basile, K. C., Walters, M. L., Chen, J., Merrick, M. T. (2014) Prevalence and Characteristics of Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Intimate Partner Violence Victimization. CDC Surveillance Summaries, 63(8), 1-18. url: cdc.gov

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. (2003). Costs of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. url: cdc.gov

Doyle, A. (2014, September 9). Violence at home costs $8 trillion a year, worse than war: study. Reuters. Retrieved from reuters.com

FCADV. Trauma, Mental Health and Domestic Violence. Retrieved from fcadv.org, retrieved on 2017, November 20.

Hegarty, K. (2011). Domestic violence: the hidden epidemic associated with mental illness. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 198(3), 169-170. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.110.083758

Page last updated: August 21, 2018