33 women were known to have left or been leaving the partner. 6 women were killed while moving their belongings. 2 women were killed in front of a law officer. It may be less evident among the affluent because they can find and afford private physicians, attorneys, counselors, and shelters. Other women turn to more public agencies for help.
Separation often brings on an increased level of harassment and violence.
Abuse is a learned behavior, not an uncontrollable reaction. Each year more than 1000 women, or about 4 per day, are killed by their partner. Over 3,000,000 domestic abuse cases were reported in the United States in 1994. In the United States, there are three times more animal shelters than shelters for battered women. In 1994, Des Moines Police responded to over 21,000 domestic abuse calls.