Each year, nearly one million individuals become victims of violent crime while working or on duty. More than one-third of Americans have witnessed an incidence of domestic violence. Nearly nine out of ten Americans say that women being beaten is a serious problem facing many families - and concern cuts across race, gender, and age lines. Four out of five believe something can be done to reduce domestic violence. Four in ten girls between the ages of 14 and 17 report that they or a friend their age has been physically abused by a boyfriend.
Adult children are the most frequent abusers of the elderly in domestic settings.
As many as one in six teens admits there are places where they never feel safe, such as walking to and from a friend's house or on public transportation. A survey reported by the American Medical Association showed that violence against children and young adults is not restricted to inner cities. In fact, the survey found a higher percentage of suburban boys reported being hit or punched at school in the previous year than boys in the inner city. Between 1985 and 1989, arrest rates increased by 18.9 percent for girls charged with murder and non-negligent manslaughter and 35.9 percent for aggravated assault. Almost one-quarter of the people arrested for weapons offenses during 1993 were under age 18.