50,000
Each year, approximately 500,000 women are physically assaulted or raped by an intimate partner compared to 100,000 men. Three out of 10 women at some point are stalked, physically assaulted, or raped by an intimate partner, compared to 1 out of every 10 men.
LOVE SHOULDN'T HURT
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Each year, the month of October is designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is a time for increasing awareness and knowledge of domestic violence, educating people on how to recognize the signs, and helping those impacted. In this article, we’ll discuss why Domestic Violence Awareness Month is important, and how relief funds can help provide crucial financial assistance.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence — also referred to as domestic abuse — is a pattern of behavior in a relationship where one partner intentionally harms another. This abuse can take various forms, including physical, psychological, verbal, financial, cultural, and sexual abuse. It can also extend to other individuals like children, relatives, or other household members.
Why National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Is Important
Each October, the United States observes National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month is crucial for raising awareness about the abuse many individuals face daily. Over 10 million people are affected by domestic violence each year in the U.S., with as many as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men being victims. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with domestic violence cases increasing by 25%-33% globally. In fact, in just the past three years alone, Emergency Assistance Foundation has provided over $1.7 million in financial assistance to over 1,140 survivors of domestic violence.
Additional Statistics on Domestic Violence
United States
An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, totaling over 12 million men and women annually.
Nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by a partner.
1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
Psychological aggression by an intimate partner has been experienced by almost half of all women and men in the U.S.
Workplace Impact
Nearly 8 million lost days of paid work each year are attributed to domestic violence issues, equivalent to over 32,000 full-time jobs.
A staggering 96% of employed domestic violence victims experience problems at work due to the abuse.
In addition to the abuse they suffer, many of those impacted also struggle with removing themselves from the abusive situation, finding safety, and starting over. There are many resources available to assist you in leaving abusive situations and knowing who to turn to when you need help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of domestic violence, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233 or texting “START” to 88788.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month also presents an opportunity for others to learn about what they can do to help those impacted by domestic abuse. For organizations looking to help team members who may be struggling through a domestic violence situation, establishing a relief fund is a way to provide critical financial assistance to impacted individuals when they need it most.