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What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to exert power and control over the other in an intimate relationship. It includes actions that physically harm, intimidate, manipulate, or coerce a partner into behaving against their will. This can occur through physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, or financial manipulation.
What does domestic violence look like?
Domestic violence is a violent crime violence or abuse in a domestic setting, such as in cohabitation or marriage. Domestic violence is often used as a synonym for intimate partner violence, which involves a spouse or intimate partner in an intimate partner relationship. Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any age and can occur in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Domestic violence can also include violence against children, parents, or the elderly and can take on several forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, andsexual abuse. The abuser often believes that the abuse is an entitlement, acceptable, justified, or unlikely to be reported. Victims often feel trapped by the abuser in domestic violence situations through isolation by their abuser from family and friends, lack of finances, fear, shame, cultural acceptance, and power and control. Victims can develop physical disabilities and chronic health problems as well as severe psychological disorders.
TEDx talk about psychological and verbal abuse from a domestic violence survivor
Every minute
20
are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States
*The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)
Women ages
18-24
experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence
*The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 Summary Report
About
50%
of domestic violence incidents are never reported to the police.
*National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND THE DIRE NEED FOR SAFE HOUSING
Housing instability and homelessness are significant barriers for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Abusers often undermine their victims' financial security, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness. The National Network to End Domestic Violence reports that long-term housing options are limited, causing victims to remain in emergency shelters for extended periods. As a result, many shelters are overcrowded and unable to accommodate all families in need.
ReJoyce House of Refuge addresses this critical issue by providing a secure living environment for victims. Our program offers women and their children the time, resources, and support they need to heal, regain independence, and achieve self-sufficiency, all within a Christ-centered environment.
CHILDREN AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence between partners often leads to child abuse. In some cases, children may be unintentionally harmed. These children may develop significant emotional and behavioral issues, which are not always recognized by their parents or caregivers. As a result, they may not receive the necessary support or assistance.
Our program provides women and their children with access to social services, counseling, and childcare. As we guide and disciple the women, their children will also benefit from the life skills being taught, empowering them to create a safe and healthy home for their family.
According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence
51.5%
of the victims who identified a need for housing services did not receive them
People who experience childhood domestic abuse are
3 times
more likely to repeat the cycle
*Harbor Health Community Centers
1 in 4
women have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner
*The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 Summary Report
Women ages
18-24
experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence
*The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 Summary Report
Every minute
20
are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States
*The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)
About
50%
of domestic violence incidents are never reported to the police.
*National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)
30 to 60%
of perpetrators of domestic violence also abuse children in the household
People who experience childhood domestic abuse are
3 times
more likely to repeat the cycle
*Harbor Health Community Centers