Is Domestic Violence Really a Problem?
Domestic violence, or violence against an intimate partner, has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. While in a minority of cases the perpetrator is female, in 95% of all reported domestic violence cases the abuse is committed by a male. It is estimated that a woman is abused by her partner or former partner every 16 seconds in this country. Forty-two percent of murdered women are killed by their intimate male partners.
Domestic violence affects more than the primary victim. Children in homes where domestic violence occurs are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate 1500% higher than the national average in the general population. These children may also receive "indirect" injuries, such as when household items are thrown or weapons are used. In addition, children of domestic violence may experience developmental delays, stress related ailments, and hearing/speech problems.
Domestic violence also impacts business and industry in this country. The total health care costs of family violence are estimated in the hundreds of millions each year. Forty-seven percent of senior executives in business and industry say that domestic violence has a harmful effect on the company's productivity and sixty-six percent believe their company's financial performance would benefit from addressing the issue of domestic violence among their employees.
Domestic violence crosses all cultural, economic, religious, and educational lines. It touches all our lives.
Why does abuse occur?
Domestic violence is more than physical abuse. It is a pattern of power and control tactics used to manipulate one's partner. In addition to physical and sexual abuse, batterers control their partners through economic and emotional abuse, the use of anger and intimidation, repeated threats, restricting their partner's freedom, and the use of male privilege. This use of power and control has been learned-and it can be unlearned.
Who is involved?
NOVA is a part of a community approach to ending domestic violence and is partnered with the Women's Commission. NOVA coordinates its services with the Judicial System, Law Enforcement, the Desistance, the Shelter for Battered Women, and other community services. It is this combination of legal sanctions, advocacy to the victims of domestic violence, and the education of abusers that provides the catalyst for change.
