|
About
Definition
Prevalence
Warning signs
Getting help
Publications
Related Topics
Related Links
Homepage
|
|
What is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an annual observance sponsored by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence . During this month, national, State, and community-based domestic violence prevention and victim service organizations, corporations, health care providers, faith-based groups, public agencies, and other organizations will highlight activities that mark the observance with recognition ceremonies, memorial activities, public education campaigns, community outreach events, news conferences, and more.
Back to top
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is one form of intimate partner violence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines intimate partner violence as "actual or threatened physical or sexual violence, or psychological and emotional abuse, directed toward a spouse, ex-spouse, current or former boyfriend or girlfriend, or current or former dating partner." Other terms used to describe domestic violence include domestic abuse, spouse abuse, courtship violence, battering, marital rape, and date rape.
Back to top
How common is domestic violence?
According to CDC, an intimate partner physically or sexually assaults approximately 1.5 million women and 834,700 men in the United States each year. The World Health Organization also found that "one of the most common forms of violence against women is that performed by a husband or male partner." The 1998 results of a national telephone survey of 8,000 women and 8,000 men cosponsored by the National Institute of Justice and CDC found that 52 percent of women surveyed were physically assaulted as a child by an adult caretaker and/or as an adult by any type of perpetrator; 1.9 percent of women surveyed said they were physically assaulted in the previous 12 months. Based on these estimates, approximately 1.9 million women are physically assaulted annually in the United States.
Back to top
What are the warning signs of an abusive spouse or partner?
According to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, there are common predictors for persons most likely to practice violent behavior against a partner: a person who has had a violent family life, uses violence or force to "solve" problems, uses alcohol or other drugs, has strong traditional ideas about the role of husband and wife, is jealous of a spouse or partner's other relationships, has access to weapons, expects a spouse or partner to follow orders or advice, experiences mood swings with extreme highs and lows, and/or treats a spouse or partner roughly.
Back to top
Where can I get help if I am being abused?
The National Domestic Violence Hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, provides services in English and Spanish. If you or someone you know is being abused, contact the Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233.) The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network also operates a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week hotline for victims of sexual assault. The Network automatically connects callers to a rape crisis center in their community where they can find counseling and support. You can reach the Network at (800) 656-4673.
Back to top
|
