The Essential Guide For Victims Of Domestic Violence

The Essential Guide for Victims of Domestic Violence Why Did We Write This Guide? In the United States, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by a domestic partner. One-third of all women and one-quarter of all men have been the victims of physical violence at the hands of a partner. These statistics do not take into account other forms of abuse, such as mental and emotional abuse that both men and women suffer on a daily basis from those who profess to love them. In addition, domestic violence is one of the most underreported crimes with only 25 percent of physical assaults, 20 percent of rapes and 50 percent of all stalking cases reported to police. Statistics indicate that a woman will be assaulted by an abusive partner 35†¦show more content†¦In addition, it will provide information to those who suspect a friend or loved one is in an abusive relationship on how to help that person recognize that they are being abused and guide them on the steps to take to get away from the abuser. What Exactly is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence is defined by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as †the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another.† Domestic violence varies as far as frequency and severity, but the common denominator in all forms of domestic violence is that one partner consistently tries to exert power and control over another. In most cases, domestic violence begins subtly, intensifying over time. It may begin with possessiveness or unwarranted jealousy, followed by profuse apologies for an angry outburst but eventually lead to physical violence, threats or public humiliation. How to Use This Guide Each chapter will focus no specific aspects of domestic abuse, first explaining the signs of abuse and the different types of abuse that may exist. The guide will explain who may become victims of domestic abuse and the progression that often occurs when a partner is abusive. Finally, the guide will explain steps for getting out of an abusive