Domestic Violence Statistics

• An estimate of 92 women died in Pennsylvania in 2006 as a result of domestic violence-related homicide. (PCADV)
• Every 15 seconds a woman is battered.
• Approximately 2 to 4 million American women are physically abused each year.
• 10 women a day are killed in the United States by their partners.
• Domestic violence is the single largest cause of injury to women in the United States, more common than injuries sustained from car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.

Definition:

Relationship/Dating/Domestic Violence may include one or more of the following: Physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or verbal abuse committed by one partner against the other. Tactics of hitting, slapping, kicking, using a weapon, punching, burning, beating, twisting arms or fingers, forcing or coercing sexual intercourse or other sexual acts, threatening, humiliating, using put-downs, name-calling, extreme jealousy, preventing sleeping, eating or spending money, isolation from peers or family, and destroying personal property may be used to gain control of a victim. The term "Domestic Violence" includes the same tactics, however to be labeled "domestic," the couple must be cohabitating.

Warning Signs

You may be in an abusive relationship if your partner:

• Makes verbal threats or put-downs.
• Breaks things that are important to you.
• Exerts financial control.
• Exhibits jealousy.
• Isolates you from friends and family.
• Forces sex/withholds sex.
• Hits, kicks, slaps, pulls hair, pushes or shoves.
• Threatens to harm or kill you, your family, or pets.

Tips if You are a Battered Woman

If you are in an abusive relationship, here are some ideas to help you become safe and stay safe:

• If possible, find a friend, neighbor, or relative who you can contact in an emergency.

Keep the following in a safe place:

• Keys (house and car).
• Important papers: social security cards and birth certificates for yourself and children, photo ID/driver license.
• Cash, food stamps, credit cards, checkbook, etc.
• Medication and medical records for yourself and children.
• If possible, pack a change of clothes for yourself and children, personal care items, extra glasses, etc.
• Plan the safest time to get away.
• Consider calling the police if you are in danger or need help.
• Get medical attention if you are injured.
• Identify a safe place for your children: A room with a lock or a neighbor's' house where they can go. Reassure them that their job is to stay safe, not to protect you.
• Arrange a signal with a neighbor to let them know when you are in danger.
• Contact The P.E.A.C.E. Project for support and to help find local resources to make sure you stay safe.

Remember:

Abuse is not your fault.
You are not alone.
FREE & CONFIDENTIAL help is available at
THE P.E.A.C.E. Project


California University of Pennsylvania
The P.E.A.C.E. Project
G45 Carter Hall
California, PA 15419
Telephone: (724) 938-5707
Last Updated: 07/08/2005
Email: peace@calu.edu