Monday, September 28, 2009

What is Domestic Violence?

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

Domestic violence is a pattern of violent and coercive behavior used by one partner in a relationship to control another; it affects all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or religion. Domestic violence takes multiple forms, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, financial control and social isolation. It is a problem that impacts the safety and well-being of individuals, families, and communities throughout Southern Nevada.

WHO IS AT RISK?
• The vast majority of domestic violence victims are women. According to the most recent statistics from U.S. Department of Justice, women make up 85 percent of domestic violence victims.

• Nearly one-third of American women, or 31 percent, report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives.

• Pregnant and recently pregnant women are at high risk for domestic violence, each year, about 324,000 pregnant women in the U.S. are battered by the men in their lives.

• Women age 16 to 24 experience the highest rates of domestic violence.

• Studies suggest that between 3.3 and 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.

• Approximately one in five female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.

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