Domestic Violence Statistics

1. In 1983 this country's 700 shelters provided safety to more than 91,000 women and children and were unable to offer safety to over 264,000 women and children.

2. Estimates on the incidences of child abuse range from 1 million to 4 million cases each year.

3. Incest researchers conclude that 10-20% of American children are victims of sexual assault by a parent or parent figure. 90% of the victims are female; 90% of the abusers are fathers or stepfathers.

4. In at least one-half of wife-abusing families, the children are battered as well.

5. Two thousand children die each year from abuse inflicted by a parent or caretaker.

6. Of the children who witness domestic violence, 60% of the boys eventually become batterers and 50% of the girls become victims.

7. 73 % of male abusers were abused as children.

 8. 63% of boys ages 11-20 who commit homicide, murder the man who was abusing their mother.

9. At least 80% of men in prison grew up in a violent home.

10. Every 5 years the death toll of persons killed by relatives and acquaintances equals that of the entire Vietnam war.

11. There are 3,000 animal shelters but only 700 shelters for battered women.

 

Other Domestic Violence Facts

 

 "... Anyone who lives in a violent home experiences an essential loss. The one place on earth where they should feel safe and secure has become a place of danger. The shadow of domestic violence has fallen across their lives and they are forever changed. " (US Attorney General's Task Force Report on Family Violence, September 1984)

1. In 1984 the US Surgeon General declared domestic violence as this national's number one health problem. (US Surgeon General)

2. 25 % of women who are beaten are pregnant. (California Commission on the Status of Women)

3. Incidents of domestic abuse among women with disabilities may be as high as 85 %. (Su Casa, Los Angeles, 1987)

4. Physical abuse by male social partners is the single most common source of injury among women ages 15 to 44, more common than auto accidents, muggings and rape by a stranger combined. (U.S. Surgeon General, 1989)

 5. Stopping drug abuse will not stop domestic violence, however, stopping domestic violence will go a long way toward reducing drug abuse. If both of these issues are addressed simultaneously, the success probability will be increased for both social problems. (Gelles and Strauss, 1988)

6. Medical costs from domestic violence total at least $3-5 billion annually. At least another $100 million can be added to the cost to businesses in lost wages, sick leave and absenteeism. (Sylvia Porter, For Your Money's Worth)

7. Battering may be the single most important context for female alcoholism, attempted suicide by women, rape and child abuse, homelessness for women and children and a major contributor to a range of mental health problems. (U.S. Surgeon General, 1989)

8. A woman is beaten every 15 seconds by her partner; it happens at some time in 25-35 % of American homes; 4,000 women die from such abuse each year. (FBI)

"We must admit that family violence is found at every level of our social structure. We must let victims know that they need not hesitate to seek help. We must listen with an understanding heart, and we must act in ways which prevent, protect and support." (U.S.-Attorney General's Report on Family Violence, 1984)