Women experience more chronic and debilitating physical assaults by their partners than do men. There is a reason why programs aimed at stopping domestic violence need to focus on protecting women. The most compelling piece of information is about resolution. For those who think domestic violence is a private matter, consider what millions of rapes and assaults cost taxpayers in often unpaid medical expenses. Each year an estimated 680,000 victims receive medical treatment from paramedics, emergency room staff or dentists as a result of violence in the home.
Domestic violence is a public health problem.
We are not at all surprised that the report was co-sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Funds provide shelter to adult and child victims of abuse. This legislation is a critical tool to prevent domestic violence on local, state and national levels. The new report validates the need for more funding. The reauthorization bill, which passed out of the House and Senate Judiciary committees, would double the amount of funds for domestic violence programs.