The truth about D.V.

Due to the content shared in this blog post there is a TRIGGER WARNING: Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is never a topic that people enjoy talking about, and therefore should be talked about more. Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse in which one partner in an intimate relationship attempts to take power and control over another. It can happen in any sexually identifying relationship and at any stage of one as well.

OVER 10 million people in America every year endure through some form of domestic violence, either physical, mental, and/or sexual. On average, it would be almost 25 humans every minute! During this post, you will be informed on some of the horrifying statistics and how and where to go for help.

Who is Exposed to Domestic Violence?

According to the CDC, 36% of women and 25% of men in the U.S. at some point in their lifetimes are exposed to domestic violence in some form.

• 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (13.9%) have experienced severe physical violence in their lifetime by an intimate partner.

• 1 in 10 women (9.7%) and 1 in 43 men (2.3%) have experienced stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

• 1 in 5 women (19%) and 1 in 14 men (7%) have experienced sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

• 1 in 2 women (47.1%) and 1 in 2 men (47.3%) have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

• 1 in 3 women (39.7%) and 1 in 2 men (41.1%) have experienced coercive control by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

• In nearly half of domestic violence cases, children have been exposed.

• Domestic violence may be the single major precursor to deaths from child abuse.

Stats show that nearly anyone can be exposed to domestic violence in some sort of capacity, however, women ages 18 to 35 generally experience the highest rates. In MICHIGAN 36% of women and 25% of men have reported some form of domestic violence. Let's break down into some sub- categories because the numbers are frightening.

Race/Ethnicity:

• 48% of non-Hispanic Black women / 41% of non-Hispanic Black men reported experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes.

• 39% of non-Hispanic White women / 30% of non-Hispanic White men reported experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes.

• 36% of Hispanic women / 30% of Hispanic men reported experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes.

• 18% of Asian or Pacific Islander women / 13% of Asian or Pacific Islander men reported experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes.

• With Indigenous women being 3x more likely than any other non-indigenous woman.

Sexual Orientation:

• 61.1% of bisexual women / 37.3% of bisexual men reported experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes.

• 43.8% of lesbian women / 26% of gay men reported experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes.

• Findings of lifetime experiences with intimate partner violence range from 44% of transgender persons

• 35% of heterosexual women / 29% of heterosexual men reported experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes.

Deaths Caused by Domestic Violence:

This blog post hits home for a lot of us this week, with loosing fellow Wyandotte resident, Jayde, due to domestic violence. Women are 11 times more likely to be killed with a firearm than in almost any other high-income country. OVER half of all female homicides recorded in America are due to domestic disputes.

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“No woman or girl should fear for her life because of who she is,” said Ghada Waly, executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. “To stop all forms of gender-related killings of women and girls, we need to count every victim, everywhere, and improve understanding of the risks and drivers of femicide so we can design better and more effective prevention and criminal justice responses.”

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In 2021, there were 81,100 female homicide victims, and 45,000 of those victims were killed by their significant other or relative. However, almost 1 in 10 cases were unable to prove domestic violence due to a lack of evidence, so there could be more. Worldwide, around 137 women are killed by their current or ex significant other or family member every day.

How to help end domestic violence

1. Look for the signs: If you or someone you know is in what seems to be an aggressive relationship? Be sure to keep in contact with people on their day to day lives, listen, and remain supportive (focus on their good qualities, in abusive relationships they are often degraded, and they could definitely use a boost in confidence. Assure them it is not their fault and allow them to share their experience at their own comfortable pace. Here are some signs that a friend, family member, or even yourself if you have doubts, may be in an abusive relationship:

• Seem isolated, unusually quiet, or anxious around family or friends

• Seem to be under emotional distress, depressed, feeling self-doubt or shame

• Have unexplained bruises and/or injuries

• Act differently or strangely in social situations, at work, or at school

• Wear unseasonable clothing, like long sleeves in the summer

• Give explanations that don’t add up

• Are often tardy or miss work or school, or frequently cancel plans

• Receive disruptive and excessive phone calls, texts, emails, or frequent visits from a partner

• Act fearful around their partner

• Have a partner who is emotionally abusive, and belittles and insults them in front of other people

• Have a partner who is extremely controlling (socially, financially, or over appearance)

2. Help guide them to the right resources: Once you or your friend have decided to get out, make a plan! Reach out to the right people and find a healthy living situation. If needed offer to use your computer or go to a friend's house or local library to look up the needed information for your area. If you are unaware of where to start the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and in multiple languages 800-799-7233

3. Take action: Follow through with the plan. It may be hard but make a plan and stick with it by leaning on your support system or by being one. If you, your friend or family member is in immediate danger DO NOT hesitate to call the authorities, you can save a life.

Domestic violence programs and resources in or near Detroit:

Women In Touch- 24/7 Hotline & Admin-313-737-7168

YWCA Interim House Metro Detroit- 24/7 Hotline- 313-861-5300 Admin- 313-862-3580

Detroit Rescue Ministries- 24/7 Hotline & Admin- 313-993-4700

Coalition On Temporary Shelter- Admin- 313-831-3777 (Daily 8-6)

Sisters Against Abuse Society- Hotline & Admin- 313-693-9322 (Mon-Fri 9-5)