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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.
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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.
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How common is domestic violence?
A National Violence Against Women Survey found that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men have been physically or sexually assaulted by an intimate partner. 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." In addition, a 1985 survey of more than 6,000 American families found that 50 percent of men who frequently assaulted their wives also frequently abused their children.
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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. A 1998 study of 2,245 children and teenagers found that recent exposure to violence in the home was a significant factor in predicting a child's violent behavior.
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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.
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