Over 20 years ago as my X started belittling me and yelling at me on a regular basis I did not realize what was happening. The abuse didn’t happen over night. There were gradual changes in his behavior. He slowing began controlling everything and blaming the outcome on me. I began to believe I was a horrible person. I felt trapped and ashamed. I felt a lone and scared. I had no idea how many were also suffering in silence as well. Domestic Violence effects every sex, age, race, religion, economic status, and culture.
I choose to take a stand against Domestic Violence and Break the silence. Please take a stand and break the silence by sharing.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refers to Domestic Violence as Intimate partner violence (IPV). The CDC defines Intimate Partner Violence as physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy.
- Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.
- In the United States, an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually.
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner.
- 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner.
- 1 in 7 women and 1 in 18 men have been stalked. Stalking causes the target to fear she/he or someone close to her/him will be harmed or killed.
- Domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.
- Domestic victimization is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior.
- Only 34% of people who are injured by intimate partners receive medical care for their injuries.
- CDC Report on Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence in the U.S. Explores Victimization and Impact
- Breaking the Silence – Public Health’s Role in Intimate Partner Violence Prevention
- The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS)
- DELTA FOCUS (Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancements and Leadership Through Alliances, Focusing on Outcomes for Communities United with States)
- Dating Matters™: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships
- IPV Support on our Facebook page
- Training Professionals in the Primary Prevention of Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence: A Planning Guide
Beyond Abuse Essential Healing 