Please call one of these resources if you have questions or would like to speak with someone about domestic violence. Domestic violence is very common. In this country, it is estimated that between 2 and 4 million women are physically abused each year. One out of every four American women report they have been physically abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. Thirty percent of Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend in the past year.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women.
Complications of pregnancy, including low weight gain, anemia, infections, and first and second trimester bleeding are significantly higher for abused women as are maternal rates of depression, suicide attempts, tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use. It is estimated that between 3 and 10 million children in the U.S. are at risk of witnessing a women being abused each year. Even if the children are not physically harmed, witnessing domestic violence can have profound effects on them. Studies have demonstrated significant physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive effects which vary depending on the child's age at exposure and the duration of the violence. Children, like the victim, appear in the health care system with a variety of physical injuries, illnesses or medical conditions directly related to the perpetrator's abuse.