by Ken Bradford

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: December 31, 2010

Domestic violence prevention and awareness should be a priority for all states, communities and every citizen. Domestic violence is at epidemic levels in the United States, with surveys from the U. S. and Canada indicating that domestic violence occurs in 28% of all marriages. The experts feel this estimate is too low, since most domestic violence incidents are not reported.

So, what is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is the power and control of one partner over another in a dating, marital or live-in relationship. Domestic violence doesn't always begin in physical violence but may initially present itself in a more subtle pattern of coercive behavior to intimidate and destroy the self-esteem of another partner.

Who are the victims of domestic violence?

According to the U. S. Department of Justice, 95% of domestic violence victims in America are women, although men may also be victims.

How often does domestic violence occur?

According to a National Violence Against Women Survey, 22% of women are physically assaulted by a partner or date during their lifetime and nearly 5.3 million partner victimizations occur each year among U. S. women ages 18 and older, resulting in 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths.

Who are the abusers?

Men who abuse their partners fall into no specific categories and come from all backgrounds, races, religions and walks of life. They be unemployed or highly paid professionals. The abusers may be good providers, upstanding members of their community, and respected members of their church congregation.

What are the types of domestic violence?

Physical Assault

Physical violence can include pushing, hitting, kicking or restraining and may occur frequently or infrequently. In most cases, the physical violence will escalate in severity and frequency over time. The end result of many domestic violence relationships is murder.

Sexual Assault

Sexual violence occurs when one partner forces sexual acts that are unwanted or declined by the other partner.

Psychological Assault

The emotional and psychological violence is intended to place the victim under the total domination and control of the abuser. This type of domestic violence may include isolation from friends and family, total financial dependence, control over where a partner can go and what she can do, threats and intimidation.

Attacks Against Property and Pets

The violence toward the victim is transferred to the destruction of household objects or treasured possessions of the victim. In some cases the

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>