7 Scary Statistics About Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence (noun): The inflicting of physical injury by one family or household member on another.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of domestic violence may seem pretty straightforward. However, the legal definition is quite a bit more complicated. Violence, as stated by the law, can come in many forms. It includes any behavior (whether physical, sexual, mental, or emotional) that is used by one person, in order to control another person.
Here’s a closer look at some startling statistics and real-world examples of domestic violence.
1. Physical Abuse
1 in 4 (24.3%) of women and 1 in 7 (13.8%) of men aged 18 and older in the U.S. have been the victim of severe physical violence in their lifetime by an intimate partner. Examples of physical abuse include:- Hitting, slapping, battering (threatening with a weapon), punching, shoving
- Pulling Hair
- Biting, pinching
- Cutting, burning
- Forcing alcohol or drug use on someone
- Denying someone medical treatment
2. Sexual Abuse
51.1% of female victims of rape reported being raped by an intimate partner and 40.8% by an acquaintance. For male victims, 52.4% reported being raped by an intimate partner and 40.8% by an acquaintance. Sexual abuse occurs when a victim is coerced into having sexual contact or sexual conduct without consent. This often takes the form of:- Rape (including marital rape)
- Attacking sexual body parts
- Sexually demeaning the victim
- Telling sexual jokes at the victim’s expense
3. Emotional Abuse
1 in 5 college women has been verbally abused by a dating partner. Emotional abuse involves:- Invalidating or deflating the victim’s sense of self-esteem or self-worth
- Constant criticism
- Name-calling
- Injuring the victim’s relationship with his or her children
- Interfering with the victim’s abilities
4. Psychological Abuse
There are 18.5 million mental health care visits every year due to domestic violence.
Psychological abuse involves the abuser invoking fear through:
- Intimidation or threats to physically hurt himself/herself, the victim, family members, friends, or pets
- The destruction of property
- Isolating the victim from loved ones
- Prohibiting the victim from going to school or work
5. Economic Abuse
96% of domestic violence victims who are employed experience problems at work due to abuse. Economic abuse happens with the abuser makes or tries to make the victim financially reliant. Examples include:- Maintaining or seeking to maintain control over financial resources
- Withholding the victim’s access to funds
- Prohibiting the victim from going to school or work
6. Stalking
81% of women who are stalked by a current or former male partner are also physically abused by that partner. When done continuously, stalking can include:- Following the victim or showing up at his or her home, school, or workplace
- Watching, spying, collecting information
- Harassing
- Sending gifts
- Making phone calls, leaving voice or written messages
7. Cyberstalking/Tech Abuse
1 in 4 dating teens is abused or harassed online or through texts by their partners. Cyberstalking or Tech Abuse refers to any online action or repeated emailing that inflicts substantial emotional distress in the recipient.What to Look for in a San Diego Domestic Violence Attorney
If you are facing a domestic violence trial, a San Diego Domestic Violence Attorney can be an incredibly useful resource for you. If you’re the victim of domestic abuse, a domestic violence attorney will assist you in obtaining a restraining order, securing protective custody rights for any children, and preparing you for trial when seeking out protective orders and financial support. For the defendant, California domestic violence penalties are severe and may include:- Jail or prison time
- Years of probation
- Restraining or “stay-away” orders
- Completion of a 52-week batterer’s program
- Thousands of dollars in fines and hospital bills
- A permanent criminal record
Bradley Corbett
Bradley Corbett is a criminal defense attorney in San Diego. He graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo Utah in 2004. Later he enrolled at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego where he participated in a prestigious internship program with the Los Angeles County Public Defender. Since then he has handled over 2,000 cases.