Family & Domestic Voilence Resources
Anna succumbed to asphyxiation due to a bar hold, a technique that involves applying pressure to the neck, such as a chokehold. Tragically, her death was the result of a domestic violence incident within her family, where she was killed by her step-sibling.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 16% of female murder victims are killed by a non-intimate family member, including a parent, sibling, or other relative each year in the United States.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential help. The hotline operates 24/7, esnuring that survivors can reach out for assistance at any time.
Phone: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
Web:
https://www.thehotline.org
This service is available from 9 am to 5 pm Eastern Time, every weekday. It provides strength-based and trauma-informed services and referrals to all victims of crime in the United States and its territories. The service is available in over 200 languages.
Phone: 855-484-2846
Web:
https://victimconnect.org
Domestic Shelters is a comprehensive online database deticated to providing information and support for individuals affected by family and domestic violence situations.
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
The chains of abuse are heavy, but YOU have the strength to break them!
Understanding Family & Domestic Violence
The statistics and information underscore the critical need for awareness, prevention, and support for victims of both domestic partner violence and family violence. It’s time for a change, it’s time for awareness to take priority.
Definition
Family and domestic violence encompasses various forms of abuse that occur between individuals who are or have been in an intimate relationship or who share a household. It can include:
- Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, or other forms of physical harm.
- Emotional Abuse: Manipulation, intimidation, or verbal attacks aimed at undermining a person’s self-worth.
- Psychological Abuse: Controlling behaviors, isolation from friends and family, or threats aimed at instilling fear.
- Sexual Abuse: Coercion into sexual acts without consent.
Key Points
- Power and Control: The primary dynamic in family and domestic violence is the abuser’s need for power and control over the victim.
- Impact on Victims: Victims may experience long-term psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Prevalence: Domestic violence is a significant social issue affecting individuals regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Domestic Violence Statistics
- Prevalence: According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, which can include strangulation, suffocation, or the use of a weapon.
- Lifetime Experience: About 30% of women and 26% of men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
- Impact on Mental Health: Victims of domestic violence are more likely to experience mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Around 60% of women in domestic violence shelters report having PTSD.
Family Violence Statistics
- Child Abuse: The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reports that approximately 676,000 children were victims of abuse or neglect in 2019, with the majority being neglected.
- Elder Abuse: The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates that 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of elder abuse, which includes physical, emotional, or financial abuse by family members or caregivers.
- Interpersonal Violence: The Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that 15% of violent crime victims reported that the offender was a family member.
Domestic Abuse Escape Plan
Creating a domestic abuse escape plan is a critical step for anyone experiencing violence or abuse in their relationship. This plan should be personalized and practical, focusing on improving safety while still in the abusive situation and preparing for a safe exit. Here are the essential components to consider when formulating your escape plan:
.1
Assess Your Situation
Understanding the dynamics of your relationship is crucial. Recognize the signs of abuse, which can be physical, emotional, psychological, or financial. Acknowledge that you are not responsible for the abuse and that it is essential to prioritize your safety.
Keep a detailed record of any incidents of abuse including dates, times, descriptions of events, and any witnesses present. This documentation may be useful if legal action becomes necessary.
.2
Identify Safe Locations
Decide where you can go if you need to leave quickly. This could include:
- A trusted friend’s or family member’s home.
- A local shelter for victims of domestic violence.
- Any location where you feel secure and can access help.
.3
Develop a Support Network
Inform trusted individuals about your situation. This could include friends, family members, coworkers, or neighbors who can provide support when needed. Establish code words or signals with them to indicate when you require immediate assistance.
.4
Prepare Important Documents
Gather important documents that you may need when leaving:
- Identification (driver’s license, passport).
- Financial information (bank account numbers, credit cards).
- Legal documents (marriage certificate, custody papers).
- Medical records and prescriptions. Keep these documents in a safe place where they are easily accessible.
.5
Pack an Emergency Bag
Prepare a bag containing essentials that you can grab quickly if you need to leave:
- Extra clothes.
- Medications.
- Important documents (as mentioned above).
- Money or bank cards. Store this bag at a trusted friend’s house or another secure location.
.6
Create an Exit Strategy
Plan how you will leave safely:
- Know the best routes out of your home.
- Keep your car fueled and parked in an accessible location.
- If possible, back your car into the driveway for a quick getaway.
- Ensure all doors are unlocked for easy access.
.7
Practice Your Plan
Rehearse your escape plan so that it becomes second nature. Familiarize yourself with your routes and ensure that any children involved understand what to do in case of an emergency.
.8
Seek Professional Help
Contact organizations specializing in domestic violence for guidance and support:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers resources and advice on creating safety plans.
- Local shelters often provide counseling services and legal assistance.
How can YOU support a victim?
Believe and Validate Their Experience
It is crucial to reassure your loved one that you believe them and that their feelings are valid. Many survivors of intimate partner violence may feel isolated or doubt their experiences due to the manipulative tactics of their abuser. By affirming their reality, you help them feel supported and understood.
Prioritize Their Safety
Discuss safety planning with your loved one. This includes identifying safe places they can go in an emergency, having a packed bag ready with essentials, and knowing whom to contact for immediate help (such as local shelters or hotlines). Emphasizing physical safety is paramount, as abuse often escalates over time.
Offer Emotional Support
Be there to listen without judgment. Survivors may experience a range of emotions including fear, anger, sadness, and confusion. Allow them to express these feelings freely and provide reassurance that it’s okay to feel this way.
Encourage Professional Help
Gently suggest seeking professional support from counselors or therapists who specialize in domestic violence. These professionals can provide coping strategies and resources tailored to their situation.
Maintain Connection
Isolation is a common tactic used by abusers to control their victims. Keep in touch with your loved one regularly through calls or visits, showing them that they are not alone and that you care about their well-being.
Help with Practical Needs
Offer assistance with daily responsibilities such as childcare, grocery shopping, or transportation. Survivors often juggle multiple roles and may need help managing these tasks while dealing with the emotional toll of their situation.
Respect Their Choices
Understand that leaving an abusive relationship can be complex and dangerous. Avoid pressuring them into making decisions about their relationship; instead, support whatever choice they make at their own pace.