About Domestic Violence..

This month is Domestic Violence awareness month. I am dedicating this post to my cousin, M. She is very passionate about this topic because she has been a victim of such violence.

I have also been inspired by this woman who has worked to change the laws in her state to protect those who have been victims in her state. Her sister died at the hands of an abusive partner.

I simply want to raise awareness and give you some statistics. If I can help one woman (or man, because it does happen to men too) then I feel like I can help prevent this from happening to someone else.
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IF YOU NEED HELP CALL:1-800-799-SAFE (7233)  
FOR TTY: 1-800-787-3224
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According to the Domestic Violence Awareness Project, the term is best described as this, "pattern of abusive behaviors -- including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic coercion -- used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship."

Statistics according to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:

• One in every four women experience domestic violence in their life time
• 1.3 million women are assaulted by a partner every year
• 85% of victims are women
• Boys who witness abuse are twice as likely to abuse future partners and children
• 30-60% of intimate partners who abuse also abuse their children  
• This kind of violence has caused in upwards to 8 million hours of lost pay-that is equivalent to 32,000 full time jobs.
• There are 16,800 homicides and $2.2 medically treated injuries each year due to partner violence
•  Domestic violence is one of the most unreported crimes in the country