DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PAGE

FACTS:

Domestic Violence rarely appears in the recorded crime statistics because of a significant level of under-reporting. The following comes from statistics that are available from research:

1. Domestic violence is one of the most common of all crimes.

2. Twenty percent of all murders (4000 people every year) in this country are committed within the family.

3. Most family violence is committed on women.

4. Ninety Five Percent of all women assaults are committed by men.

5. Six million women are beaten each year by their husbands, or boyfriends.

6. Battering is the single major cause of injury to women - more frequently than auto accidents, rapes, etc.

7. One in every 4 female suicides were victims of Family Violence.

8. Domestic Violence affects over 2 million women.

9. Over 50% of all children in homes were spouse abuse occurred are also abused. Acts of violence occurs every 18 seconds in America.

10. Children who have witnessed abuse, or who have been abused themselves, are 1000 times more likely to abuse a spouse or a child when they become adults.

11. One in ten Women have been victims of domestic violence in the past year.

12. Seven years is the average length of time a woman suffers domestic abuse before leaving the abuser for good. However, often the women return for more abuse.

13. On average a woman is assaulted 35 times before seeking external help.

14. WOMEN ARE MUCH MORE LIKELY TO BE ASSAULTED BY A MALE PARTNER THAN BY A STRANGER ON THE STREET!


WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

Family Violence is defined as any incident resulting in the abuse, assault or attempts, or threats thereof between family or household members. Family violence can also mean verbal abuse, which is sometimes even more damaging.


Forms of Abuse:
a. Physical
b. Sexual
c. Economic
d. Emotional
e. Physiological
f. Threats


CYCLE OF VIOLENCE:

1. The cycle of violence is a recurring pattern.

2. After a violent episode the subject may be sorry for what he has done. He may regret and feel ashamed of his behavior. Often his worst fear is that his partner may leave him, so he will try as hard as he can to make up. He may promise to never hurt you again. However if nothing happens, if he does not seek help, the odds of violence again are high. He needs professional help!!!


WHY DOESN'T THE VICTIM LEAVE?

She will usually stay with him because:

1. She is Emotionally drained.

2. She is financially insecure.

3. She feels sorry for him.

4. She blames herself for what he has done.


WHAT CAN THE POLICE DO?

1. An officer may arrest any person without a warrant, whenever an offense involves Family Violence, and the arrest is based on probable cause. Regardless of whether the offense is a felony or misdemeanor.

2. Whenever a Police Officer investigates an allegation of Family Violence, whether or not an arrest is made, the Alabama State Law states, the officer shall make a written report.

3. If the officer makes an arrest, the person accused of the crime will have a bond hearing (generally within 24 hours). Felony Misdemeanor cases generally take from one week to two months to be resolved.

3. If yo do not feel safe during this time, services can be arranged for your protection by the House of Ruth (In the State of Alabama). The National Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).


House of Ruth:

The House of Ruth, located in Dothan, Alabama, can provide the following:

1. 24 hour crisis telephone line 1-334-793-2232. Trained counselors are available to provide crisis intervention, information, and referral.

2. Safe Shelter, for battered women and children.

3. Assistance with transportation to Community Resources that can help; food, clothing, housing, etc.

4. Counseling: Individual or Group counseling.


How to help a Friend?

1. Ask her what happened? (Listen without Judging)

2. Believe her!(Injuries are usually not visible)

3. Give her the local Domestic Violence Hot Line!(1-334-793-2232)

4. Encourage her to have a plan of action! (Ask her, “What if he hurts you tonight, where can you go?”) 5. Offer tangible assistance! (Lend money, provide transportation to center. If she feels an alternative exists, she’s more likely to leave.


Know the Law:

In about half the states, officers can arrest the battier on probable cause without witnessing the abuse.

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