About Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is a problem that affects communities across the country. It crosses all races, social and economic backgrounds, cultures, and relationship types.

Domestic abuse is not a private matter, a couple's problem, a domestic "squabble" or a "fight." It is not a momentary loss of temper or the abuse of alcohol and drugs.

Domestic abuse is a pattern of abusive tactics used by one partner in an intimate relationship to obtain and maintain power and control over the other person.

Domestic violence is not an isolated instance of aggression. It is an atmosphere that is created by many forms of abuse and a cycle that increases over time in frequency and intensity.

Domestic Abuse is a Crime!

Facts & Statistics

• 50% of all couples experience at least one violent incident; for 25% of those couples, violence is a common occurrence.
• 20% of all murders in this country are committed within the family, and 13% are committed by spouses.
• 85% of all intimate partner assaults are committed by men.
• 6 million American women are beaten each year by their husbands or boyfriends.
 • Acts of domestic violence occur every 18 seconds in the U.S.