Domestic Violence and Abuse: Signs and Symptoms of Abusive Relationships
Domestic Violence and Abuse:
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Abusive Relationships
If you think your husband or boyfriend is abusive, or you suspect that someone you know is in an abusive relationship, review the red flags of domestic violence and abuse listed in this article. Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of spousal abuse is the first step to breaking free.
If you’re afraid for your immediate safety, call 911. For help and advice on escaping an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224.
In This Article:
Domestic violence or abuse
Cycle of violence
Signs of an abusive relationship
Types of domestic violence and abuse
Domestic violence warning signs
Related links
EmailPrintDomestic violence and abuse
Special note:
Although men also suffer from domestic abuse and violence, women are five to eight times more likely than men to be victimized by an intimate partner. Because men are more often the abusers, abusers are referred to as "he" in this article.
Domestic abuse, also known as spousal abuse, occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. An abuser doesn’t “play fair.” He uses fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to wear you down and gain complete power over you. He may threaten you, hurt you, or hurt those around you. Domestic abuse that includes physical violence is called domestic violence.
Victims of domestic abuse or domestic violence may be men or women, although women are more commonly victimized. This abuse happens among heterosexual couples and in same-sex partnerships. Except for the gender difference, domestic abuse doesn’t discriminate. It happens within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and financial levels. The abuse may occur during a relationship, while the couple is breaking up, or after the relationship has ended.
Despite what many people believe, domestic violence is not due to the abuser’s loss of control over his behavior. In fact, violence is a deliberate choice made by the abuser in order to take control over his wife or partner.
Violent Behavior is an Abuser's Choice
Reasons we know an abuser's behaviors are not about anger and rage:
He does not batter other individuals - the boss who does not give him time off or the gas station attendant that spills gas down the side of his car. He waits until there are no witnesses and abuses the person he says he loves.
If you ask an abused woman, "can he stop when the phone rings or the police come to the door?" She will say "yes". Most often when the police show up, he is looking calm, cool and collected and she is the one who may look hysterical. If he were truly "out of control" he would not be able to stop himself when it is to his advantage to do so.
The abuser very often escalates from pushing and shoving to hitting in places where the bruises and marks will not show. If he were "out of control" or "in a rage" he would not be able to direct or limit where his kicks or punches land.
Source: Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service
Spousal abuse and battery are used for one purpose: to gain and maintain total control over the victim. In addition to physical violence, abusers use the following tactics to exert power over their wives or partners:
Dominance — Abusive individuals need to feel in charge of the relationship. They will make decisions for you and the family, tell you what to do, and expect you to obey without question. Your abuser may treat you like a servant, child, or even as his possession.
Humiliation — An abuser will do everything he can to make you feel bad about yourself, or defective in some way. After all, if you believe you're worthless and that no one else will want you, you're less likely to leave. Insults, name-calling, shaming, and public put-downs are all weapons of abuse designed to erode your self-esteem and make you feel powerless.
Isolation — In order to increase your dependence on him, an abusive partner will cut you off from the outside world. He may keep you from seeing family or friends, or even prevent you from going to work or school. You may have to ask permission to do anything, go anywhere, or see anyone. Source: Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, MN
Threats — Abusers commonly use threats to keep their victims from leaving or to scare them into dropping charges. Your abuser may threaten to hurt or kill you, your children, other family members, or even pets. He may also threaten to commit suicide, file false charges against you, or report you to child services.
Intimidation — Your abuser may use a variety of intimation tactics designed to scare you into submission. Such tactics include making threatening looks or gestures, smashing things in front of you, destroying property, hurting your pets, or putting weapons on display. The clear message is that if you don't obey, there will be violent consequences.
Denial and blame — Abusers are very good at making excuses for the inexcusable. They will blame their abusive and violent behavior on a bad childhood, a bad day, and even on the victims of their abuse. Your abuser may minimize the abuse or deny that it occurred. He will commonly shift the responsibility onto you: Somehow, his violence and abuse is your fault.
Cycle of violence
Domestic abuse falls into a common pattern, or cycle of violence:
Abuse — The abuser lashes out with aggressive or violent behavior. The abuse is a power play designed to show the victim "who is boss."
Guilt — After the abusive episode, the abuser feels guilt, but not over what he's done to the victim. The guilt is over the possibility of being caught and facing consequences.
Rationalization or excuses — The abuser rationalizes what he's done. He may come up with a string of excuses or blame the victim for his own abusive behavior—anything to shift responsibility from himself.
"Normal" behavior — The abuser does everything he can to regain control and keep the victim in the relationship. He may act as if nothing has happened, or he may turn on the charm. This peaceful honeymoon phase may give the victim hope that the abuser has really changed this time.
Fantasy and planning — The abuser begins to fantasize about abusing his victim again, spending a lot of time thinking about what she's done wrong and how he'll make her pay. Then he makes a plan for turning the fantasy of abuse into reality.
Set-up — The abuser sets up the victim and puts his plan in motion, creating a situation where he can justify abusing her.
The Full Cycle of Domestic Violence
A man abuses his partner. After he hits her, he experiences self-directed guilt. He says, "I'm sorry for hurting you." What he does not say is, "Because I might get caught." He then rationalizes his behavior by saying that his partner is having an affair with someone. He tells her "If you weren't such a worthless whore I wouldn't have to hit you." He then acts contrite, reassuring her that he will not hurt her again. He then fantasizes and reflects on past abuse and how he will hurt her again. He plans on telling her to go to the store to get some groceries. What he withholds from her is that she has a certain amount of time to do the shopping. When she is held up in traffic and is a few minutes late, he feels completely justified in assaulting her because "you're having an affair with the store clerk." He has just set her up.
Source: Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service
Your abuser’s apologies and loving gestures in between the episodes of abuse can make it difficult to leave. He may make you believe that you are the only person who can help him, that things will be different this time, and that he truly loves you. However, the dangers of staying are real.
Domestic abuse often escalates from threats and verbal abuse to physical violence and even murder. And while physical injury may be the most obvious danger, the emotional and psychological consequences of domestic abuse are also severe. No one deserves this kind of pain—and your first step to breaking free is recognizing that your situation is abusive. Once you acknowledge the reality of the abusive situation, then you can get the help you need.
Signs of an abusive relationship
There are many signs of an abusive relationship. The most significant sign is fear of your partner. Other signs include a partner who belittles you or tries to control you, and feelings of self-loathing, helplessness, and desperation.
To determine whether your relationship is abusive, answer the questions in the table below. The more “yes” answers, the more likely it is that you’re in an abusive relationship.
SIGNS OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP
Your Inner Thoughts and Feelings Your Partner’s Belittling Behavior
Do you:
feel afraid of your partner much of the time?
avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner?
feel that you can’t do anything right for your partner?
believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated?
wonder if you’re the one who is crazy?
feel emotionally numb or helpless?
Does your partner:
humiliate, criticize, or yell at you?
treat you so badly that you’re embarrassed for your friends or family to see?
ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments?
blame you for his own abusive behavior?
see you as property or a sex object, rather than as a person?
Your Partner’s Violent Behavior or Threats Your Partner’s Controlling Behavior
Does your partner:
have a bad and unpredictable temper?
hurt you, or threaten to hurt or kill you?
threaten to take your children away or harm them?
threaten to commit suicide if you leave?
force you to have sex?
destroy your belongings?
Does your partner:
act excessively jealous and possessive?
control where you go or what you do?
keep you from seeing your friends or family?
limit your access to money, the phone, or the car?
constantly check up on you?
Types of domestic violence and abuse
There are different types of domestic abuse, including emotional, physical, sexual, and economic abuse. Many abusers behave in ways that include more than one type of domestic abuse, and the boundaries between some of these behaviors may overlap.
Emotional or psychological abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse can be verbal or nonverbal. Its aim is to chip away at your feelings of self-worth and independence. If you’re the victim of emotional abuse, you may feel that there is no way out of the relationship, or that without your abusive partner you have nothing. Emotional abuse includes verbal abuse such as yelling, name-calling, blaming, and shaming. Isolation, intimidation, and controlling behavior also fall under emotional abuse. Additionally, abusers who use emotional or psychological abuse often throw in threats of physical violence.
You may think that physical abuse is far worse than emotional abuse, since physical violence can send you to the hospital and leave you with scars. But, the scars of emotional abuse are very real, and they run deep. In fact, emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse—sometimes even more so. Furthermore, emotional abuse usually worsens over time, often escalating to physical battery.
Physical abuse
When people talk about domestic violence, they are often referring to the physical abuse of a spouse or intimate partner. Physical abuse is the use of physical force against someone in a way that injures or endangers that person. There’s a broad range of behaviors that come under the heading of physical abuse, including hitting, grabbing, choking, throwing things, and assault with a weapon.
Physical assault or battering is a crime, whether it occurs inside or outside of the family. The police have the power and authority to protect you from physical attack.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is common in abusive relationships. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, between one-third and one-half of all battered women are raped by their partners at least once during their relationship. Any situation in which you are forced to participate in unwanted, unsafe, or degrading sexual activity is sexual abuse. Forced sex, even by a spouse or intimate partner with whom you also have consensual sex, is an act of aggression and violence. Furthermore, women whose partners abuse them physically and sexually are at a higher risk of being seriously injured or killed.
Economic or financial abuse
Remember, an abuser’s goal is to control you, and he will frequently hurt you to do that. In addition to hurting you emotionally and physically, an abusive partner may also hurt you in the pocketbook. Economic of financial abuse includes:
Controlling the finances.
Withholding money or credit cards.
Giving you an allowance.
Making you account for every penny you spend.
Stealing from you or taking your money.
Exploiting your assets for personal gain.
Withholding basic necessities (food, clothes, medications, shelter).
Preventing you from working or choosing your own career.
Sabotaging your job (making you miss work, calling constantly)
Domestic violence warning signs
Take Precautions
Call 911 or the police in your community if you suspect a case of domestic violence.
It's impossible to know with certainty what goes on behind closed doors, but there are some telltale signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse. If you witness a number of warning signs in a friend, family member, or co-worker, you can reasonably suspect domestic abuse.
Frequent injuries, with the excuse of “accidents”
Frequent and sudden absences from work or school
Frequent, harassing phone calls from the partner
Fear of the partner, references to the partner's anger
Personality changes (e.g. an outgoing woman becomes withdrawn)
Excessive fear of conflict
Submissive behavior, lack of assertiveness
Isolation from friends and family
Insufficient resources to live (money, credit cards, car)
Depression, crying, low self-esteem
Reporting suspected domestic abuse is important. If you're afraid of getting involved, remember that the report is confidential and everything possible will be done to protect your privacy. You don’t have to give your name, and your suspicions will be investigated before anyone is taken into custody. Most important, you can protect the victim from further harm by calling for help.
Continue Reading...
Click here to learn more about:
Protecting yourself from domestic violence
Leaving an abusive relationship safely
Restraining orders
Domestic violence shelters
Staying safe after you’ve left
Dealing with the trauma of domestic abuse
Related links for domestic abuse and violence
Domestic violence hotlines and help
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) – A crisis intervention and referral phone line for domestic violence. (Texas Council on Family Violence)
State Coalition List – Directory of state offices that can help you find local support, shelter, and free or low-cost legal services. Includes all U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
Abusive relationships and domestic violence
Domestic Violence Awareness Handbook – Guide to domestic violence covers common myths, what to say to a victim, and what communities can do about the problem. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Domestic Violence: The Cycle of Violence – Learn about the cycle of violence common to abusive relationships. (Mid-Valley Women’s Crisis Service)
Equality Wheel (PDF) – A “wheel” that gives guidelines for a healthy, nonviolent intimate relationship between a man and a woman. (Domestic Abuse Intervention Project)
Warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse
The Problem – Offers a checklist of behaviors and feelings that will help you assess whether you are in an abusive relationship. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
Domestic Violence Warning Signs – Describes common warning signs that a woman is being emotionally abused or beaten. (Safe Place, Michigan State University)
Workplace Domestic Violence– Information for recognizing, preventing, and responding to domestic violence in the workplace. (National Work~Life Alliance)
For men
Intimate Partner Abuse Against Men – Learn about domestic violence against men, including homosexual partner abuse, sexual abuse of boys and male teenagers, and abuse by wives or partners. (National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Canada)
For gay men and women
Abuse in Same-Sex Relationships – Describes myths about same-sex abuse; unique problems of the victims of same-sex abuse; and what society and professionals can do to help. (Education Wife Assault)
For immigrant women
Information for Immigrants – Domestic violence resources for immigrant women. En Español:Información para Inmigrantes. (Women’s Law Initiative)
For teens
Dating Violence – Guide to teen dating violence, including early warning signs that your boyfriend or girlfriend may become abusive. (The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
Teens: Love Doesn’t Have To Hurt (PDF) – A teen-friendly guide to what abuse looks like in dating relationships and how to do something about it. (American Psychological Association)
Delving deeper into domestic violence and abuse
Violence Against Women – Domestic violence resource provided by the federal. Includes a list of state resources and a fact sheet on identifying abuse. (The National Women’s Health Information Center)
Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse – Electronic clearinghouse of information about domestic violence and abuse, including a searchable online library of articles.
Pat Davies, Melinda Smith, M.A., Tina de Benedictis, Ph.D., Jaelline Jaffe, Ph.D., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., contributed to this article. Last modified on: 8/20/07.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Friday, June 1, 2007
Tennessee: Urge Gov. to Sign Pet Protective Order Bills!
Great news! On May 17, TN SB 196 passed the Senate Floor, and its companion bill, HB 1161, has passed the House. These bills specifically include animals in protection orders and grant custody of the animals in question to the person who gets the protection order. Please email Governor Bredesen asking him to sign these bills into law.
HB 1161/SB 196—Pets Included in Orders of Protection
Sponsor(s): Rep. Janis Sontany, Senator Tim Burchett
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Please contact Governor Phil Bredesen and ask him to sign H.B. 1161/S.B. 196 into law.
span style="font-size:115%;">Up to 40 percent of battered women delay going to a shelter because they fear what will happen to their left-behind pet.
Please contact members Governor Bredesen ask him to sign H.B. 1161/S.B. 196.
HB 1161/SB 196—Pets Included in Orders of Protection
Sponsor(s): Rep. Janis Sontany, Senator Tim Burchett
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Please contact Governor Phil Bredesen and ask him to sign H.B. 1161/S.B. 196 into law.
span style="font-size:115%;">Up to 40 percent of battered women delay going to a shelter because they fear what will happen to their left-behind pet.
One in Four
Women
Will experience
Domestic Violence
In her lifetime.
Update, 5/17/07: Both bills have successfully completed their journeys through the Tennessee Legislature, and now await the Governor's signature. Great job, advocates! HB 1161/SB 196 will give the courts the power to protect pets by including them in protective orders, thereby helping to break the cycle of domestic abuse and violence. Sadly, animals often are used as pawns in domestic disputes. Batterers abuse animals for a variety of reasons—to demonstrate power and control, to retaliate for acts of independence and to coerce a victim to return.In recent years, a strong and surprising connection has been documented linking animal abuse and domestic violence. In a survey conducted by The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence of those living in shelters for battered women and children, incidents of pet abuse were reported by 85.4 percent of the women and 63 percent of the children. Sixty percent of women who are the victims of domestic violence have had a pet killed by violence.
Please contact members Governor Bredesen ask him to sign H.B. 1161/S.B. 196.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Protecting Yourself if You are Being Stalked
I. STALKING CHECKLIST
To help determine whether you or someone you know is a victim of stalking, see if anything on the following checklist of sample stalking behaviors matches your situation.
Does a current or former spouse or boyfriend, friend, coworker, neighbor, casual acquaintance or complete stranger . . .
Leave harassing, threatening or obscene messages on your answering machine at home or at your workplace?
Call you repeatedly at your home or workplace, even when asked to stop?
Insist on giving you unwanted gifts, cards, notes or letters?
Watch you or follow you at a distance?
Appear at or drive by your workplace, home or any other place you frequent in your daily activities?
Harass or question your family members, friends, acquaintances or co-workers as to your whereabouts?
Repeatedly send you unwanted e-mail messages?
Photograph or video you repeatedly?
Vandalize or deface your property, car, mail, etc.?
Repeatedly confront you (or your family members) with verbal or physical threats?
Act in some other manner so that your own personal safety feels compromised on a continuing basis?
Stalking can encompass a wide range of behaviors, only some of which are listed above. A stalker may employ very subtle forms of harassment that can, nonetheless, cause a great deal of fear.
II. DEALING WITH STALKING
Although no solution is foolproof, the strategies listed below can help reduce the potential danger of stalking.
Some require dealing with the legal system and the courts, while others are self-help techniques that you can do on your own. A few of the strategies will help you prepare for taking legal action. Remember, even if you do not anticipate involving the police or the courts at this time, it is best to keep your options open in case something changes. You do not want to disregard a strategy now that may help you take future action. You should also keep in mind that not all strategies will be right for you at all times. Some strategies may impose risks or costs that you do not want to take on, or you may find that different strategies are more or less helpful as your circumstances change. Only you can decide what is appropriate for you.
1. Keep Records
Maintain a stalking log. This can be a crucial part of your self-protection and can prove invaluable should you decide to take legal action. Keep a record of all of the stalker’s activities or actions, noting the dates, and if possible, the times at which they occurred. This is an essential step to take because, in most states, you cannot obtain a conviction for a crime without knowing the date on which the crime occurred. Because you may need to give the police or your attorney a copy of your recrds,do not keep the log as part of your personal diary.
For an example of a stalking log, you can visit the National Center for Victims of Crime website at www.ncvc.org.
Save all evidence documenting the stalking: letters, e-mails, notes, gifts or messages left on your answering machine. Take pictures of destroyed property. Make copies of everything you can, and keep the copies in a safe place or with someone you trust. Evidence of the stalker’s acts can help establish the “intent” requirement present in many states’ stalking statutes, facilitating a conviction.
2. Protect Yourself
Change phone numbers. Have the phone company keep your number unlisted or install caller identification on your telephone. If possible, have coworkers or the receptionist at work screen your calls. You may want to have your name and number removed from the automated phone directory at work.
Try to keep the stalker from gaining personal information about you. Particularly if the stalker does not have your address or if you have moved, consider removing your home address from all checks, business cards and letterheads. Change your mailing address to a private post office box. Place property titles in a trust so that the stalker cannot obtain your address from public records. If your state or county authorizes it, request that voter registration and driver's license information remain confidential. If your local or state agencies do release addresses to anyone who requests them, you should request in writing that your address not be released to anyone but the authorities.
Change your passwords for e-mail or other computer access often and do not tell anyone your passwords or use passwords that a stalker or anyone else could easily guess. Pick a user identification that does not use your real name. Do not reveal any personal information in public spaces on-line, such as chat rooms.
You may want to protect your confidentiality online by not selecting any of the options for your Internet service to remember the user’s name or password. You may also want to clear the search history on your browser to keep the stalker from knowing what sites you have recently viewed. You may want to consult the police or other experts in dealing with stalkers before exercising this option, because knowledge of the stalker’s behaviors may, in some cases, assist in anticipating future threats and potential danger.
In cases of cyberstalking, contact the stalker’s Internet Service Provider (ISP). Many ISPs prohibit harassment through use of their system and will sometimes respond by closing the stalker’s account. Identify the ISP through the domain name following the “@” sign, and contact the system administrator through the company’s web site. Remain aware of your surroundings. This will help you detect and prevent uncomfortable or dangerous situations.
Vary daily routines, driving and walking routes, and places where you shop. It is a good idea to change any social habits that the stalker knows. You may want to go to a new church, a different gym, and change which bars or clubs you frequent.
Try to avoid traveling alone especially in places where you will be away from the public. If you are being followed while driving, do not drive directly home. If the stalker does not know where you live, do not risk revealing it to him. If possible, when you leave work, have a security guard escort you to your car or to the nearest public transportation stop.
Consider informing friends, family and neighbors of the situation, as they could help keep you out of danger and/or serve as potential witnesses. If they do not know what the stalker looks like, show them any pictures you may have. If you do not have a picture, consider carrying a camera with you in the event that the stalker approaches you again.
Warn any friends, neighbors, family, landlords, security guards, employers, etc. that any cooperation with the stalker acts as encouragement. Request that they
not cooperate or encourage the stalker in any way; and realize that if they cooperate with or encourage a stalker, they may be held liable for any subsequent action that the stalker takes against you.
Do not give out information about friends, confidantes, or potential new partners to the stalker. Be leery of please for discussion, meetings or attempts to reconcile; this can put you within physical reach of a potentially dangerous person.
If you work in a large company, you may want to ask your supervisor for a transfer to another office area or branch. Depending on the specifics of the case, your employer may provide additional security measures to reduce your exposure to the stalker. Informing coworkers also can be useful, as they may be more aware of unusual or suspicious activity in the workplace and may later be able to confirm your account of the stalking.
You may want to provide a copy of any protection orders that you have to your employer. You may want to give copies to your supervisor, the legal department, and
security personnel. In some states your employer may also be able to get a protective order for you. (See below for more information on protective orders.)
Consider adding additional home protection, such as dead bolts, outdoor lights and, if possible, a home security system. Change your locks if the stalker has
access to your keys.
You might also consider enrolling in a self-defense class
and participating in support groups.
Involve the Police and the Courts
If it is safe for you to do so, report any and all threats to the police and notify the police of any illegal acts. If possible, contact the police as soon as an incident occurs.
Should the police seem unhelpful, unresponsive or unwilling to help you don’t panic. Simply get their names and badge numbers and report them to their supervisor and attempt to report your complaint to another officer.
You may want to obtain a protective order or restraining order. These orders can prohibit the stalker from coming within a specified distance of you, your home or your workplace.
§ Contact a local domestic violence program or go to your local courthouse and find out if you qualify for a protective order; if you do, apply for an order immediately. If you are told that you do not qualify, make absolutely sure (e.g., speak to a supervisor), because the person you see initially may not have adequate training or awareness of recent changes in the law. A list of some state domestic violence coalitions is available on the National Coalition
Against Domestic Violence website, www.ncadv.org.
§ Note that in some states, protective orders can be obtained in either criminal court or civil court.
§ Be sure not to place your home address or telephone number on the actual order, as this will probably become a public record and can easily be obtained by anyone, particularly a stalker who did not previously know your current address.
§ State laws vary. Consequently, after obtaining the order, find out what will be required of you if your stalker violates the order, and what type of proof or documentation you will need to begin prosecution, if necessary. Find out what a police officer who comes to your aid is obligated to do if the stalker violates the order. Also, find out when the order will be served on the stalker, as you may want to take special precautions for yourself and your family at that time.
When possible, file criminal charges against your stalker. Insist on your rights even if the police seem dismissive. After being encouraged to file charges by a female prosecutor, one woman encountered a police employee who only begrudgingly allowed her to file the complaint while another cracked jokes about it. She noted, however, that filing the complaint saved her life. “Last May, [the stalker] was caught by police on my block with a loaded gn. When the officers learned that I had lodged formal complaints, it made a crucial difference: They could arrest [the stalker] without his actually attacking me.”
If possible, bring a civil suit (a suit brought by you and your attorney, not by the state) against the stalker even if you decide not to press criminal charges. If you win your lawsuit, a court may order the defendant to pay you money to compensate for medical and other expenses that resulted from the stalking or for the resulting pain, suffering and physical and mental injuries. Some states have statutes pertaining specifically to stalking behavior that enable you to sue for monetary damages.
In states that lack these provisions, potential claims include “assault and battery” (someone has touched you without your consent),“intentional infliction of emotional distress” (a person acted in a shocking way and intended for you to suffer severe emotional harm or knows that acting in that manner would cause you to suffer such harm) and invasion of privacy. Talk to an attorney about these options.
III. CONCLUSION
The strategies listed above provide useful tools for dealing with stalking. Some of them are relatively easy to undertake in terms of time and money.
Unfortunately, though, some of the strategies may be costly and time-consuming. Similarly, regardless of cost, only certain strategies may be appropriate for you in your specific circumstances. Remember, though, that you are not alone. The lists provided at the end of this kit include contact information for organizations that may be able to assist you.
To help determine whether you or someone you know is a victim of stalking, see if anything on the following checklist of sample stalking behaviors matches your situation.
Does a current or former spouse or boyfriend, friend, coworker, neighbor, casual acquaintance or complete stranger . . .
Leave harassing, threatening or obscene messages on your answering machine at home or at your workplace?
Call you repeatedly at your home or workplace, even when asked to stop?
Insist on giving you unwanted gifts, cards, notes or letters?
Watch you or follow you at a distance?
Appear at or drive by your workplace, home or any other place you frequent in your daily activities?
Harass or question your family members, friends, acquaintances or co-workers as to your whereabouts?
Repeatedly send you unwanted e-mail messages?
Photograph or video you repeatedly?
Vandalize or deface your property, car, mail, etc.?
Repeatedly confront you (or your family members) with verbal or physical threats?
Act in some other manner so that your own personal safety feels compromised on a continuing basis?
Stalking can encompass a wide range of behaviors, only some of which are listed above. A stalker may employ very subtle forms of harassment that can, nonetheless, cause a great deal of fear.
II. DEALING WITH STALKING
Although no solution is foolproof, the strategies listed below can help reduce the potential danger of stalking.
Some require dealing with the legal system and the courts, while others are self-help techniques that you can do on your own. A few of the strategies will help you prepare for taking legal action. Remember, even if you do not anticipate involving the police or the courts at this time, it is best to keep your options open in case something changes. You do not want to disregard a strategy now that may help you take future action. You should also keep in mind that not all strategies will be right for you at all times. Some strategies may impose risks or costs that you do not want to take on, or you may find that different strategies are more or less helpful as your circumstances change. Only you can decide what is appropriate for you.
1. Keep Records
Maintain a stalking log. This can be a crucial part of your self-protection and can prove invaluable should you decide to take legal action. Keep a record of all of the stalker’s activities or actions, noting the dates, and if possible, the times at which they occurred. This is an essential step to take because, in most states, you cannot obtain a conviction for a crime without knowing the date on which the crime occurred. Because you may need to give the police or your attorney a copy of your recrds,do not keep the log as part of your personal diary.
For an example of a stalking log, you can visit the National Center for Victims of Crime website at www.ncvc.org.
Save all evidence documenting the stalking: letters, e-mails, notes, gifts or messages left on your answering machine. Take pictures of destroyed property. Make copies of everything you can, and keep the copies in a safe place or with someone you trust. Evidence of the stalker’s acts can help establish the “intent” requirement present in many states’ stalking statutes, facilitating a conviction.
2. Protect Yourself
Change phone numbers. Have the phone company keep your number unlisted or install caller identification on your telephone. If possible, have coworkers or the receptionist at work screen your calls. You may want to have your name and number removed from the automated phone directory at work.
Try to keep the stalker from gaining personal information about you. Particularly if the stalker does not have your address or if you have moved, consider removing your home address from all checks, business cards and letterheads. Change your mailing address to a private post office box. Place property titles in a trust so that the stalker cannot obtain your address from public records. If your state or county authorizes it, request that voter registration and driver's license information remain confidential. If your local or state agencies do release addresses to anyone who requests them, you should request in writing that your address not be released to anyone but the authorities.
Change your passwords for e-mail or other computer access often and do not tell anyone your passwords or use passwords that a stalker or anyone else could easily guess. Pick a user identification that does not use your real name. Do not reveal any personal information in public spaces on-line, such as chat rooms.
You may want to protect your confidentiality online by not selecting any of the options for your Internet service to remember the user’s name or password. You may also want to clear the search history on your browser to keep the stalker from knowing what sites you have recently viewed. You may want to consult the police or other experts in dealing with stalkers before exercising this option, because knowledge of the stalker’s behaviors may, in some cases, assist in anticipating future threats and potential danger.
In cases of cyberstalking, contact the stalker’s Internet Service Provider (ISP). Many ISPs prohibit harassment through use of their system and will sometimes respond by closing the stalker’s account. Identify the ISP through the domain name following the “@” sign, and contact the system administrator through the company’s web site. Remain aware of your surroundings. This will help you detect and prevent uncomfortable or dangerous situations.
Vary daily routines, driving and walking routes, and places where you shop. It is a good idea to change any social habits that the stalker knows. You may want to go to a new church, a different gym, and change which bars or clubs you frequent.
Try to avoid traveling alone especially in places where you will be away from the public. If you are being followed while driving, do not drive directly home. If the stalker does not know where you live, do not risk revealing it to him. If possible, when you leave work, have a security guard escort you to your car or to the nearest public transportation stop.
Consider informing friends, family and neighbors of the situation, as they could help keep you out of danger and/or serve as potential witnesses. If they do not know what the stalker looks like, show them any pictures you may have. If you do not have a picture, consider carrying a camera with you in the event that the stalker approaches you again.
Warn any friends, neighbors, family, landlords, security guards, employers, etc. that any cooperation with the stalker acts as encouragement. Request that they
not cooperate or encourage the stalker in any way; and realize that if they cooperate with or encourage a stalker, they may be held liable for any subsequent action that the stalker takes against you.
Do not give out information about friends, confidantes, or potential new partners to the stalker. Be leery of please for discussion, meetings or attempts to reconcile; this can put you within physical reach of a potentially dangerous person.
If you work in a large company, you may want to ask your supervisor for a transfer to another office area or branch. Depending on the specifics of the case, your employer may provide additional security measures to reduce your exposure to the stalker. Informing coworkers also can be useful, as they may be more aware of unusual or suspicious activity in the workplace and may later be able to confirm your account of the stalking.
You may want to provide a copy of any protection orders that you have to your employer. You may want to give copies to your supervisor, the legal department, and
security personnel. In some states your employer may also be able to get a protective order for you. (See below for more information on protective orders.)
Consider adding additional home protection, such as dead bolts, outdoor lights and, if possible, a home security system. Change your locks if the stalker has
access to your keys.
You might also consider enrolling in a self-defense class
and participating in support groups.
Involve the Police and the Courts
If it is safe for you to do so, report any and all threats to the police and notify the police of any illegal acts. If possible, contact the police as soon as an incident occurs.
Should the police seem unhelpful, unresponsive or unwilling to help you don’t panic. Simply get their names and badge numbers and report them to their supervisor and attempt to report your complaint to another officer.
You may want to obtain a protective order or restraining order. These orders can prohibit the stalker from coming within a specified distance of you, your home or your workplace.
§ Contact a local domestic violence program or go to your local courthouse and find out if you qualify for a protective order; if you do, apply for an order immediately. If you are told that you do not qualify, make absolutely sure (e.g., speak to a supervisor), because the person you see initially may not have adequate training or awareness of recent changes in the law. A list of some state domestic violence coalitions is available on the National Coalition
Against Domestic Violence website, www.ncadv.org.
§ Note that in some states, protective orders can be obtained in either criminal court or civil court.
§ Be sure not to place your home address or telephone number on the actual order, as this will probably become a public record and can easily be obtained by anyone, particularly a stalker who did not previously know your current address.
§ State laws vary. Consequently, after obtaining the order, find out what will be required of you if your stalker violates the order, and what type of proof or documentation you will need to begin prosecution, if necessary. Find out what a police officer who comes to your aid is obligated to do if the stalker violates the order. Also, find out when the order will be served on the stalker, as you may want to take special precautions for yourself and your family at that time.
When possible, file criminal charges against your stalker. Insist on your rights even if the police seem dismissive. After being encouraged to file charges by a female prosecutor, one woman encountered a police employee who only begrudgingly allowed her to file the complaint while another cracked jokes about it. She noted, however, that filing the complaint saved her life. “Last May, [the stalker] was caught by police on my block with a loaded gn. When the officers learned that I had lodged formal complaints, it made a crucial difference: They could arrest [the stalker] without his actually attacking me.”
If possible, bring a civil suit (a suit brought by you and your attorney, not by the state) against the stalker even if you decide not to press criminal charges. If you win your lawsuit, a court may order the defendant to pay you money to compensate for medical and other expenses that resulted from the stalking or for the resulting pain, suffering and physical and mental injuries. Some states have statutes pertaining specifically to stalking behavior that enable you to sue for monetary damages.
In states that lack these provisions, potential claims include “assault and battery” (someone has touched you without your consent),“intentional infliction of emotional distress” (a person acted in a shocking way and intended for you to suffer severe emotional harm or knows that acting in that manner would cause you to suffer such harm) and invasion of privacy. Talk to an attorney about these options.
III. CONCLUSION
The strategies listed above provide useful tools for dealing with stalking. Some of them are relatively easy to undertake in terms of time and money.
Unfortunately, though, some of the strategies may be costly and time-consuming. Similarly, regardless of cost, only certain strategies may be appropriate for you in your specific circumstances. Remember, though, that you are not alone. The lists provided at the end of this kit include contact information for organizations that may be able to assist you.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Domestic and Sexual Violence
Domestic and Sexual Violence
Domestic and intimate partner violence involves physical and sexual attacks against women in the home, within the family or within an intimate relationship. Women are more at risk of experiencing violence in intimate relationships than anywhere else.In no country in the world are women safe from this type of violence. Out of ten counties surveyed in a 2005 study of the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 50 per cent of women in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Peru and Tanzania reported having been subjected to physical or sexual violence by intimate partners, with figures reaching staggering 71 per cent in rural Ethiopia. Only in one country (Japan) did less than 20 per cent of women report incidents of domestic violence.
An earlier WHO study puts the number of women physically abused by their partners or ex-partners at 30 per cent in the UK, and 22 per cent in the US.Based on several surveys from around the world, half of the women who die from homicides are killed by their current or former husbands or partners. Women are killed by people they know and die from guns violence, beatings and burns among numerous other forms of abuse. A study conducted in Sao Paulo, Brazil reported that 13 per cent of deaths of women of reproductive age were homicides, of which 60 per cent were committed by the victims’ partners.In the USA, 700,000 women are raped or sexually assaulted each year, with 14.8 per cent of women reporting having been raped before the age of 17. In a randomly selected study of nearly 1,200 ninth-grade students in Geneva, Switzerland, 20 per cent of girls revealed they had experienced at least one incident of physical sexual abuse. This form of sexual violence also extends beyond the domestic domain.
Although many countries now have legislation that addresses domestic violence, high levels of violence still persist. There is clearly a need for greater focus on implementation and enforcement of legislation, and an end to laws that emphasize family reunification over the rights of women and girls.In many societies, the legal system and community attitudes add to the trauma rape survivors experience. Women are often held responsible for the violence against them, and in many places laws contain loopholes which allow the perpetrators to act with impunity. In a number of countries, a rapist can go free under the Penal Code if he proposes to marry the victim and she consents. In Pakistan and many other Islamic countries, ordinances require women reporting rape to provide a set number of credible male witnesses to verify the crime. Victims unable to provide these witnesses are often charged instead with adultery.
Domestic and intimate partner violence involves physical and sexual attacks against women in the home, within the family or within an intimate relationship. Women are more at risk of experiencing violence in intimate relationships than anywhere else.In no country in the world are women safe from this type of violence. Out of ten counties surveyed in a 2005 study of the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 50 per cent of women in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Peru and Tanzania reported having been subjected to physical or sexual violence by intimate partners, with figures reaching staggering 71 per cent in rural Ethiopia. Only in one country (Japan) did less than 20 per cent of women report incidents of domestic violence.
An earlier WHO study puts the number of women physically abused by their partners or ex-partners at 30 per cent in the UK, and 22 per cent in the US.Based on several surveys from around the world, half of the women who die from homicides are killed by their current or former husbands or partners. Women are killed by people they know and die from guns violence, beatings and burns among numerous other forms of abuse. A study conducted in Sao Paulo, Brazil reported that 13 per cent of deaths of women of reproductive age were homicides, of which 60 per cent were committed by the victims’ partners.In the USA, 700,000 women are raped or sexually assaulted each year, with 14.8 per cent of women reporting having been raped before the age of 17. In a randomly selected study of nearly 1,200 ninth-grade students in Geneva, Switzerland, 20 per cent of girls revealed they had experienced at least one incident of physical sexual abuse. This form of sexual violence also extends beyond the domestic domain.
Although many countries now have legislation that addresses domestic violence, high levels of violence still persist. There is clearly a need for greater focus on implementation and enforcement of legislation, and an end to laws that emphasize family reunification over the rights of women and girls.In many societies, the legal system and community attitudes add to the trauma rape survivors experience. Women are often held responsible for the violence against them, and in many places laws contain loopholes which allow the perpetrators to act with impunity. In a number of countries, a rapist can go free under the Penal Code if he proposes to marry the victim and she consents. In Pakistan and many other Islamic countries, ordinances require women reporting rape to provide a set number of credible male witnesses to verify the crime. Victims unable to provide these witnesses are often charged instead with adultery.
HIV/AIDS and Domestic Violence
Women’s inability to negotiate safe sex and refuse unwanted sex is closely linked to the high prevalence HIV/AIDS. Unwanted sex — from being unable to say “no!” to a partner and be heard, to sexual assault such as rape — results in a higher risk of abrasion and bleeding, providing a ready avenue for transmission of the virus. Both realities obliterate women’s ability to protect themselves from infection.Violence is a cause as well as a consequence of HIV/AIDS: for many women, the fear of violence prevents them from declaring their HIV-positive status and seeking help and treatment. They have been driven from their homes, left destitute, been ostracized by their families and community, and subjected to extreme physical and emotional abuse. In 1998 Gugu Dhlamini was stoned to death by men in her community in South Africa, after she declared her positive status on radio and television on World AIDS Day.
Young women are particularly vulnerable to coerced sex and are increasingly being infected with HIV/AIDS. Over half of new HIV infections world-wide are occurring among young people between the ages of 15 to 24, and over 60 per cent of HIV-positive youth between the ages of 15 to 24 are women. A study conducted in Tanzania in 2001 found that HIV-positive women were over 2 and half times more likely than HIV-negative women to have experienced violence perpetrated by their current partner.A 2002 UNIFEM-sponsored report on the impact of armed conflict on women underscores how the chaotic and brutal circumstances of armed conflict aggravate all the factors that fuel the crisis. Tragically and most cruelly, in many conflicts, the planned and purposeful HIV infection of women has been a tool of war, often pitting one ethnic group against another, such as what occurred in Rwanda
Cultural Violence in Traditions of Other Societes
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM refers to several types of traditional cutting operations performed on women and girls. Often part of fertility or coming-of-age rituals, FGM is sometimes justified as a way to ensure chastity and genital “purity.” FGM occurs primarily in over 25 African countries, among some minorities in Asia and immigrant communities in Europe, Australia, Canada and the US. An estimated 130 million women today have undergone FGM, and an additional 2 million girls and women are being subjected to it each year. Since the late 1980s, opposition to FGM and efforts to combat the practice has increased.
Some countries have passed legislation to regulate or ban FGM.— UNIFEM supported a project in Kenya, which involved local communities developing alternative coming-of-age rituals, such as “circumcision with words” — celebrating a young girl’s entry into womanhood with words instead of genital cutting. A joint initiative by UNICEF, WHO, and UNFPA seeks to drastically decrease the incidence of FGM, including assisting governments to develop and implement national polices to abolish the practice. (click to read more at Share Legal Awareness - our associated blog)
FGM refers to several types of traditional cutting operations performed on women and girls. Often part of fertility or coming-of-age rituals, FGM is sometimes justified as a way to ensure chastity and genital “purity.” FGM occurs primarily in over 25 African countries, among some minorities in Asia and immigrant communities in Europe, Australia, Canada and the US. An estimated 130 million women today have undergone FGM, and an additional 2 million girls and women are being subjected to it each year. Since the late 1980s, opposition to FGM and efforts to combat the practice has increased.
Some countries have passed legislation to regulate or ban FGM.— UNIFEM supported a project in Kenya, which involved local communities developing alternative coming-of-age rituals, such as “circumcision with words” — celebrating a young girl’s entry into womanhood with words instead of genital cutting. A joint initiative by UNICEF, WHO, and UNFPA seeks to drastically decrease the incidence of FGM, including assisting governments to develop and implement national polices to abolish the practice. (click to read more at Share Legal Awareness - our associated blog)
OK.....Now What??
Everybody wants battered women to 'make better choices', or to 'get out' or 'leave their abuser' and 'dont go back...'
I did that... okay, now what?
I know women who did everything right, called the police, got the protective order, left, moved, ceased contact, got a job, never went back; and 10 years later their child got kidnapped because nobody believed that her abuser would really plot, wait and pounce that many years later... okay, now what?
I'm blogging from a hotel room; weekly rates; on a computer borrowed from a friend. I'm not sure where I'll be next week; what I'll eat tomorrow, or if I have the strength to keep on... yeah, I left my abuser ...
okay, now what?
See when the abuser isn't convicted the battered woman is left without crime victim services.
When the abuser isn't at the front door or on top of the victim, the shelter isn't available - and when it is, its only available for a brief 30 day stay...
When the abuser flees the state with your child, the victim falls through the cracks of the jurisdictional boundaries and the police that pass the buck instead of enforcing out of state protective orders - - now what?
When the abuser finally goes to prison for unrelated crimes, and the victim tries to prosecute, its impossible to get law enforcement to take the case seriously because they figure he's already in jail and it'd be a waste of time, so, now what?
When the abuser isn't expected to get out of prison until your children are over the age of 18, the state no longer seeks enforcement of the child support arrears he owes, so, now what?
When the abuser can't use his fists anymore and uses the system, it can revictimize the survivors and sometimes paralyze them emotionally when the children are used as pawns; already disabled from the beatings years before, now suffering eternal grief for the emotional beatings of the court system and flawed social services system; a victim is on an uphill battle to survive; and when she becomes homeless, penniless and hopeless ... she'll ask everyone who wanted her to get out... okay...now what?
Now what????
I did that... okay, now what?
I know women who did everything right, called the police, got the protective order, left, moved, ceased contact, got a job, never went back; and 10 years later their child got kidnapped because nobody believed that her abuser would really plot, wait and pounce that many years later... okay, now what?
I'm blogging from a hotel room; weekly rates; on a computer borrowed from a friend. I'm not sure where I'll be next week; what I'll eat tomorrow, or if I have the strength to keep on... yeah, I left my abuser ...
okay, now what?
See when the abuser isn't convicted the battered woman is left without crime victim services.
When the abuser isn't at the front door or on top of the victim, the shelter isn't available - and when it is, its only available for a brief 30 day stay...
When the abuser flees the state with your child, the victim falls through the cracks of the jurisdictional boundaries and the police that pass the buck instead of enforcing out of state protective orders - - now what?
When the abuser finally goes to prison for unrelated crimes, and the victim tries to prosecute, its impossible to get law enforcement to take the case seriously because they figure he's already in jail and it'd be a waste of time, so, now what?
When the abuser isn't expected to get out of prison until your children are over the age of 18, the state no longer seeks enforcement of the child support arrears he owes, so, now what?
When the abuser can't use his fists anymore and uses the system, it can revictimize the survivors and sometimes paralyze them emotionally when the children are used as pawns; already disabled from the beatings years before, now suffering eternal grief for the emotional beatings of the court system and flawed social services system; a victim is on an uphill battle to survive; and when she becomes homeless, penniless and hopeless ... she'll ask everyone who wanted her to get out... okay...now what?
Now what????
RATE OF FAMILY VIOLENCE DROPPED BY MORE THAN ONE-HALF FROM 1993 TO 2002
RATE OF FAMILY VIOLENCE DROPPED BY MORE THAN ONE-HALF FROM 1993 TO 2002
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The rate of family violence fell by more than one-half between 1993 and 2002, from an estimated 5.4 victims to 2.1 victims per 1,000 U.S. residents 12 years old and older, reflecting the general decline in crimes against people during the same period, the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) announced today.
Family violence accounted for 11 percent of all reported and unreported violence between 1998 and 2002. Of these offenses against family members, 49 percent were a crime against a spouse, 11 percent a parent attacking a child, and 41 percent an offense against another family member.
Seventy-three percent of family violence victims were female and 76 percent of persons who committed family violence were male. Simple assault was the most frequent type of family violence.
Drugs or alcohol were involved in 39 percent of family violence victimizations. In 20 percent of family violence incidents, the offender had a weapon.
About four in 10 family violence victimizations did not come to police attention between 1998 and 2002. Thirty-four percent of victims of unreported family violence said they did not tell law enforcement officials about the matter because it was private or personal. Another 12 percent said they did not report it to protect the offender.
One-half of convicted family violence offenders in prison in 1997 were serving a sentence for committing a sex crime against a family member. Forty-five percent of convicted family violence offenders in local jails in 2002 had been subject to a restraining order at some point in their life.
About one in five persons murdered in 2002 was killed by a family member. In all homicides that year, almost 9 percent were the killing of a spouse, 6 percent the murder of a son or daughter and 7 percent the killing of another family member.
Fifty-eight percent of family murder victims were female, and 26 percent were under age 18. Among murdered children under age 13, 66 percent were killed by a family member.
Eighty-three percent of those who killed a spouse were males, as were 75 percent of those who killed a boyfriend or girlfriend.
The average age of a son or daughter killed by a parent was 7 years old, and 80 percent were younger than 13 years old.
The report, "Family Violence Statistics" (NCJ-207846), was written by BJS statisticians Matthew R. Durose, Caroline Wolf Harlow, Patrick A. Langan, Mark Motivans, Ramona R. Rantala, and Erica L. Schmitt. Following publication, the document can be accessed at: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/fvs.htm.
Additional information about BJS statistical reports and programs is available from the BJS website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice and assist victims. OJP is headed by an Assistant Attorney General and comprises five component bureaus and two offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; and the Office for Victims of Crime, as well as the Office of the Police Corps and Law Enforcement Education and the Community Capacity Development Office, which incorporates the Weed and Seed strategy and OJP's American Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Desk. More information can be found at www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The rate of family violence fell by more than one-half between 1993 and 2002, from an estimated 5.4 victims to 2.1 victims per 1,000 U.S. residents 12 years old and older, reflecting the general decline in crimes against people during the same period, the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) announced today.
Family violence accounted for 11 percent of all reported and unreported violence between 1998 and 2002. Of these offenses against family members, 49 percent were a crime against a spouse, 11 percent a parent attacking a child, and 41 percent an offense against another family member.
Seventy-three percent of family violence victims were female and 76 percent of persons who committed family violence were male. Simple assault was the most frequent type of family violence.
Drugs or alcohol were involved in 39 percent of family violence victimizations. In 20 percent of family violence incidents, the offender had a weapon.
About four in 10 family violence victimizations did not come to police attention between 1998 and 2002. Thirty-four percent of victims of unreported family violence said they did not tell law enforcement officials about the matter because it was private or personal. Another 12 percent said they did not report it to protect the offender.
One-half of convicted family violence offenders in prison in 1997 were serving a sentence for committing a sex crime against a family member. Forty-five percent of convicted family violence offenders in local jails in 2002 had been subject to a restraining order at some point in their life.
About one in five persons murdered in 2002 was killed by a family member. In all homicides that year, almost 9 percent were the killing of a spouse, 6 percent the murder of a son or daughter and 7 percent the killing of another family member.
Fifty-eight percent of family murder victims were female, and 26 percent were under age 18. Among murdered children under age 13, 66 percent were killed by a family member.
Eighty-three percent of those who killed a spouse were males, as were 75 percent of those who killed a boyfriend or girlfriend.
The average age of a son or daughter killed by a parent was 7 years old, and 80 percent were younger than 13 years old.
The report, "Family Violence Statistics" (NCJ-207846), was written by BJS statisticians Matthew R. Durose, Caroline Wolf Harlow, Patrick A. Langan, Mark Motivans, Ramona R. Rantala, and Erica L. Schmitt. Following publication, the document can be accessed at: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/fvs.htm.
Additional information about BJS statistical reports and programs is available from the BJS website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice and assist victims. OJP is headed by an Assistant Attorney General and comprises five component bureaus and two offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; and the Office for Victims of Crime, as well as the Office of the Police Corps and Law Enforcement Education and the Community Capacity Development Office, which incorporates the Weed and Seed strategy and OJP's American Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Desk. More information can be found at www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
Breaking The Silence - Moms Losing Child Custody To Their Batterers?
This is an eight minute excerpt of the program that aired on Public Television in October of 2005.
The documentary tells the stories of children who are taken away from their protective mothers.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
The Violence Against Women Act
(Source: NNEDV)
For a one-page overview of VAWA 2005, please download our VAWA 2005 Fact Sheet (PDF). For a full summary of program changes, please download our VAWA 2005 Summary (PDF). You can also download the VAWA 2005 statute, (PL 109-162).
On January 5, 2006, the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 (VAWA) was signed into law by President George W.Bush. VAWA reauthorizes existing
programs to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking, and creates new ones to meet emerging needs of communities working to prevent the violence.
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) praised Congress and the Administration for their continued dedication to improving the lives of women and children.
"The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act ensures that communities have the tools they need to intervene in and ultimately prevent violence in our homes," said Lynn Rosenthal, President of NNEDV. "They has taken an important step forward in saving lives".
Rosenthal credits Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI-5), Mark Green (R WI-8), John Conyers (D-MI-14), Hilda Solis (D-CA-32), Ginny Brown-Waite (R FL-5), Deborah Pryce (R-OH-15), for championing the bill, saying “their efforts to pass a strong, comprehensive bill show a true commitment to ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.”
VAWA 2005 takes a more holistic approach to addressing violence against women. In addition to enhancing criminal and civil justice and community-based responses to these crimes, VAWA creates notable new focus areas such as:
developing prevention strategies to stop the violence before it starts,
protecting individuals from unfair eviction due to their status as victims of domestic violence or stalking,
creating the first federal funding stream to support rape crisis centers,
developing culturally- and linguistically-specific services for communities,
enhancing programs and services for victims with disabilities, and
broadening VAWA service provisions to include children and teens.
“The housing provisions are of particular importance,” said Rosenthal. “Ninety-two percent of homeless women have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives. We thank Representatives Michael Oxley (R-OH-4), Barney Frank (D-MA-4) and Bob Ney (R-OH-18) and Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) for their leadership in ensuring housing protections and resources for victims.”
Initially passed in 1994, VAWA created the first federal legislation acknowledging domestic violence and sexual assaults as crimes, and provided federal resources to encourage community-coordinated responses to combating the violence. Its reauthorization in 2000 improved the foundation established by VAWA 1994 by creating a much-needed legal assistance program for victims and expanding the definition of crime to cover dating violence and stalking.
“The reauthorization of VAWA shows that our nation's policy makers recognize domestic violence as a devastating social problem,” said Rosenthal. “By applying a more comprehensive approach, we move one step closer to eradicating domestic violence.”
NNEDV has been a leading force in efforts to reauthorize VAWA. NNEDV and its member state domestic violence coalitions also played a crucial role in the passage of VAWA in 1994 and its reauthorization in 2000. NNEDV’s sister organization, the National Network to End Domestic Violence Fund (NNEDV Fund), has been instrumental in assisting state domestic violence coalitions and local communities in implementing current VAWA programs.
NNEDV is now working with state coalitions and national organizations to ensure VAWA is fully funded. Join us in this effort! Click here to join our VAWA Mobilization Campaign and receive VAWA mobilization action alerts.
You also can take action today by writing or calling your member of Congress or Senator and urging them to fully fund VAWA. For more information about funding for VAWA, including a sample letter you can use, click here.
Congressional offices and media, please use the email form for immediate answers to questions related to VAWA appropriations.
For a one-page overview of VAWA 2005, please download our VAWA 2005 Fact Sheet (PDF). For a full summary of program changes, please download our VAWA 2005 Summary (PDF). You can also download the VAWA 2005 statute, (PL 109-162).
On January 5, 2006, the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 (VAWA) was signed into law by President George W.Bush. VAWA reauthorizes existing
programs to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking, and creates new ones to meet emerging needs of communities working to prevent the violence.
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) praised Congress and the Administration for their continued dedication to improving the lives of women and children.
"The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act ensures that communities have the tools they need to intervene in and ultimately prevent violence in our homes," said Lynn Rosenthal, President of NNEDV. "They has taken an important step forward in saving lives".
Rosenthal credits Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI-5), Mark Green (R WI-8), John Conyers (D-MI-14), Hilda Solis (D-CA-32), Ginny Brown-Waite (R FL-5), Deborah Pryce (R-OH-15), for championing the bill, saying “their efforts to pass a strong, comprehensive bill show a true commitment to ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.”
VAWA 2005 takes a more holistic approach to addressing violence against women. In addition to enhancing criminal and civil justice and community-based responses to these crimes, VAWA creates notable new focus areas such as:
“The housing provisions are of particular importance,” said Rosenthal. “Ninety-two percent of homeless women have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives. We thank Representatives Michael Oxley (R-OH-4), Barney Frank (D-MA-4) and Bob Ney (R-OH-18) and Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) for their leadership in ensuring housing protections and resources for victims.”
Initially passed in 1994, VAWA created the first federal legislation acknowledging domestic violence and sexual assaults as crimes, and provided federal resources to encourage community-coordinated responses to combating the violence. Its reauthorization in 2000 improved the foundation established by VAWA 1994 by creating a much-needed legal assistance program for victims and expanding the definition of crime to cover dating violence and stalking.
“The reauthorization of VAWA shows that our nation's policy makers recognize domestic violence as a devastating social problem,” said Rosenthal. “By applying a more comprehensive approach, we move one step closer to eradicating domestic violence.”
NNEDV has been a leading force in efforts to reauthorize VAWA. NNEDV and its member state domestic violence coalitions also played a crucial role in the passage of VAWA in 1994 and its reauthorization in 2000. NNEDV’s sister organization, the National Network to End Domestic Violence Fund (NNEDV Fund), has been instrumental in assisting state domestic violence coalitions and local communities in implementing current VAWA programs.
NNEDV is now working with state coalitions and national organizations to ensure VAWA is fully funded. Join us in this effort! Click here to join our VAWA Mobilization Campaign and receive VAWA mobilization action alerts.
You also can take action today by writing or calling your member of Congress or Senator and urging them to fully fund VAWA. For more information about funding for VAWA, including a sample letter you can use, click here.
Congressional offices and media, please use the email form for immediate answers to questions related to VAWA appropriations.
Faillure to Protect - The Castle Rock/Gonzales Case
(Source: NNEDV)
TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK, CO v. JESSICA GONZALES - 2005
The Supreme Court examined if Jessica Gonzales, whose three daughters were killed by her estranged husband, can raise a procedural due process claim in federal court for the Town of Castle Rocks failure to enforce her protective order.
TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK, CO v. JESSICA GONZALES - 2005
The Supreme Court examined if Jessica Gonzales, whose three daughters were killed by her estranged husband, can raise a procedural due process claim in federal court for the Town of Castle Rocks failure to enforce her protective order.
- NNEDV's amicus brief supporting Jessica Gonzales's case (PDF)
- The Supreme Court's opinion in Town of Castle Rock, CO v. Jessica Gonzales (PDF)
- Concurring Opinion by Justice David H. Souter (PDF)
- Dissenting Opinion by Justice John Paul Stevens (PDF)
- Statement by Fernando Laguarda, NNEDV board chair and counsel of record, regarding Town of Castle Rock v. Jessica Gonzales (PDF)
Can Police Search If One Co-Habitant Consents and the Other Refuses Entry? Supreme Court Says NO!
(Source: NNEDV)
GEORGIA V. RANDOLPH - 2006
The Supreme Court examined whether it is unconstitutional for police to search a home when a co-habitant consents and the other co-habitant is present and does not consent. On March 22, 2006, the Court ruled that it is a violation of a citizen's Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches if police search a home when one resident invites them in but another refuses their entry.
While advocates fear that this ruling could have an adverse affect on police responses to domestic violence calls, legal experts say this ruling does not prevent police from protecting victims of domestic violence. Counsel at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo have crafted an explanation of the decision's impact on domestic violence cases.
Randolph's Impact on Domestic Violence Cases(PDF)
The Supreme Court's opinions in Georgia v. Randolph(PDF)
GEORGIA V. RANDOLPH - 2006
The Supreme Court examined whether it is unconstitutional for police to search a home when a co-habitant consents and the other co-habitant is present and does not consent. On March 22, 2006, the Court ruled that it is a violation of a citizen's Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches if police search a home when one resident invites them in but another refuses their entry.
While advocates fear that this ruling could have an adverse affect on police responses to domestic violence calls, legal experts say this ruling does not prevent police from protecting victims of domestic violence. Counsel at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo have crafted an explanation of the decision's impact on domestic violence cases.
Should Victims Be Able to use 911 Calls in Leiu of Testimony in Court?
(Source: NNEDV)
ADRIAN MARTELL DAVIS v. WASHINGTON and HERSEL HAMMON v. INDIANA - 2006
The Supreme Court examined whether 911 calls or on-scene statements were subject to the Confrontation Clause restrictions enunciated in Crawford v. Washington, 541 U.S. 36 (2004). NNEDV submitted an amicus brief urging the court to recognize evidence-based prosecution as an effective means to hold batterers accountable for their crimes.
On June 19, 2006, the Court handed down a decision in both Davis v. Washington and Hammon v. Indiana. In Davis, the Supreme Court affirmed lower court rulings, stating that information provided during 911 calls were considered nontestimonial statements and were not subject to the restrictions of the Confrontation Clause.
In Hammon, the court reveresed lower court rulings, saying that on-scene statements made to police were considered testimonial and were subject to the restrictions of the Confrontation Clause because 1) the emergency had ended and 2) the inquiries made by the police were not to assess an emergency but were to gather evidence for future legal proceedings.
The decisions in these two cases create an objective test to aid the judicial system in determining whether statements made to law enforcement during a 911 call or on-scene questioning constitute testimony in lieu of a victim testifying in court against an abuser.
NNEDV's amicus brief supporting evidence-based prosecution of domestic violence cases (PDF)
The Supreme Court's opinion in Davis v. Washington and Hammon v. Indiana (PDF)
ADRIAN MARTELL DAVIS v. WASHINGTON and HERSEL HAMMON v. INDIANA - 2006
The Supreme Court examined whether 911 calls or on-scene statements were subject to the Confrontation Clause restrictions enunciated in Crawford v. Washington, 541 U.S. 36 (2004). NNEDV submitted an amicus brief urging the court to recognize evidence-based prosecution as an effective means to hold batterers accountable for their crimes.
On June 19, 2006, the Court handed down a decision in both Davis v. Washington and Hammon v. Indiana. In Davis, the Supreme Court affirmed lower court rulings, stating that information provided during 911 calls were considered nontestimonial statements and were not subject to the restrictions of the Confrontation Clause.
In Hammon, the court reveresed lower court rulings, saying that on-scene statements made to police were considered testimonial and were subject to the restrictions of the Confrontation Clause because 1) the emergency had ended and 2) the inquiries made by the police were not to assess an emergency but were to gather evidence for future legal proceedings.
The decisions in these two cases create an objective test to aid the judicial system in determining whether statements made to law enforcement during a 911 call or on-scene questioning constitute testimony in lieu of a victim testifying in court against an abuser.
Information and services pertaining to domestic violence.
(Source: NNEDV)
National Domestic Violence Hotline / Linea Nacional sobre la Violencia Doméstica
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) TTY: 1-800-787-3224
For advocacy, counseling and referral, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will reach a trained advocate who can talk with you about your situation, your safety, and the options available to you. Friends and family members are also welcome to call for information. All conversations with hotline advocates are strictly confidential. Support available in English or Spanish with interpreters available for over 139 languages. Website: www.ndvh.org
Domestic Violence Resource Network:
Other Domestic Violence Organizations & Projects:
National Domestic Violence Hotline / Linea Nacional sobre la Violencia Doméstica
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) TTY: 1-800-787-3224
For advocacy, counseling and referral, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will reach a trained advocate who can talk with you about your situation, your safety, and the options available to you. Friends and family members are also welcome to call for information. All conversations with hotline advocates are strictly confidential. Support available in English or Spanish with interpreters available for over 139 languages. Website: www.ndvh.org
Domestic Violence Resource Network:
- National Resource Center on Domestic Violence provides comprehensive information and resources, policy development and assistance to enhance community response to and prevention of domestic violence. NRCDV enhances the capacity of organizations and individuals working to end violence in the lives of women and their children and proactively supports the work of national, state, and local domestic violence programs. Toll Free Phone: (800) 537-2238 TTY: (800) 533-2508 Fax: (717) 545-9456 Website: www.nrcdv.org
- Battered Women's Justice Project provides training, technical assistance, and other resources through a partnership of three organizations. Toll Free Phone: 800-903-0111. Website: www.bwjp.org
- Domestic Abuse Intervention Project - Criminal Justice. Addresses the criminal justice system's response to domestic violence including batterers' programs. Ext. 1
- The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - Civil Justice. Addresses civil court access and legal representation issues. Ext.2
- National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women - Defense. Addresses battered women charged with crimes and members of their defense teams. Ext. 3
- Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence at the Family Violence Prevention Fund provides technical assistance, training, public policy form, and materials to those interested in developing a comprehensive health care response to domestic violence in all health care settings. Toll Free Phone: (888) Rx-ABUSE (792-2873) Fax: (415) 252-8991 Website: www.endabuse.org/health
- Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection & Custody provides access to the best possible source of information and tangible assistance to those working in the field of domestic violence and child protection and custody. In addition, the CPC identifies and develops model policies, protocols, and programs that are sensitive to the legal, cultural, and psychological dynamics of child protection and custody cases involving family violence. Toll Free Phone: (800) 527-3223 Fax: (775) 784-6160 Website: www.ncjfcj.org
- Sacred Circle: National Resource Center to End Violence Against Native Women provides technical assistance, policy development, training institutes, and resource information on ending domestic violence and sexual assault in American Indian / Alaska Native tribal communities. Operated by Cangleska, Inc., Sacred Circle aids tribes, tribal organizations and nations to stop violence against Native women. Toll Free Phone: (877) 733-7623 Fax: (605) 341-2472
Other Domestic Violence Organizations & Projects:
- Alianza (National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence / Alianza Latina Nacional para Erradicar la Violencia Doméstic) is "a group of nationally recognized Latina and Latino advocates, community activists, practitioners, researchers, and survivors of domestic violence working together to promote an understanding, sustain dialogue, and generate solutions to move toward the elimination of domestic violence affecting Latino communities, with an understanding of the sacredness of all relations and communities." Website: www.dvalianza.org
- Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence works "to eliminate domestic violence in Asian and Pacific Islander communities by increasing awareness about the extent and depth of the problem; making culturally specific issues visible; strengthening community models of prevention and itnervention; identifying and expanding resources; informing and promoting research and policy; and deepening...understanding and analyses of the issues surrounding violence against women." Phone: 415-954-9988 ext. 315. Fax: 415-954-9999. Website: www.apiahf.org/apidvinstitute/default.htm
- Family Violence Prevention Fund works to prevent violence within the home, and in the community, to help those whose lives are devastated by abuse by educating the public and improving institutions' response to domestic violence. Website: www.endabuse.org
- National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence provides training, consulting and advocacy at local, state, regional and national levels. NCDSV promotes a community collaboration model and collaborates with law enforcement, legal system agencies, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, the military and other community entities in their efforts to end domestic and sexual violence. Website: www.ncdsv.org
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence serves as a national information and referral center for the general public, media, battered women and their children, allied and member agencies and organizations. Website: www.ncadv.org
- VAWnet: the National Electronic Network on Violence Against Women, is a project of NRCDV. VAWnet provides a comprehensive online collection of advocacy-based electronic resources on domestic violence, sexual violence, and related intersecting issues. Resources include applied research papers, policy and practice papers, federal and state funding information, prevention and public education materials, community advocacy materials and information about other national, state, regional and local organizations and programs. Website: www.vawnet.org
- Violence Against Women Online Resources (VAWOR) provides law, criminal justice, advocacy, and social service professionals with up-to-date information on interventions to stop violence against women through the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse. Website: www.vaw.umn.edu
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is a project of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. NSVRC provides resources (information, technical assistance, and materials) to national organizations, state sexual assault coalitions, community-based programs, allied organizations, and the public. NSVRC works to strengthen support systems serving sexual assault survivors, and to support the development of policy and practice that produce effective interventions for and prevention of sexual violence. Phone: (877)739-3895. Website: www.nsvrc.org
- Stalking Resource Center (SRC) is a program of the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC). SRC raises national awareness of stalking and encourages the development and implementation of multidisciplinary responses to stalking in local communities. SRC provides trainings, an information clearinghouse, a practitioners' network and a peer-to-peer exchange program. Toll Free Phone: 800-FYI-CALL (800-394-2255) TTY: 800-211-7996 Fax: 202-467-8701 Website: www.ncvc.org/src
State Coalition Table (Source: NNEDV)
| COALITION/HOTLINE ADDRESS | FAX NUMBER OFFICE PHONE WEBSITE |
| Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-800-650-6522 Post Office Box 4762 Montgomery AL 36101 | 334-832-4803 Fax |
| Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault 130 Seward Street Suite 209 Juneau AK 99801 | 907-463-4493 Fax 907-586-3650 www.andvsa.org |
| Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence 301 E. Bethany Home Rd Suite C194 Phoenix AZ 85012 | 602-279-2980 Fax 602-279-2900 www.azcadv.org |
| Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-800-269-4668 Victory Building 1401 W. Capitol Avenue Suite 170 North Little Rock AR 72201 | 501-907-5618 Fax 501-907-5612 www.domesticpeace.com |
| California Partnership to End Domestic Violence 800-524-4765 PO Box 1798 Sacramento CA 95814 | 916-444-7165 Fax 916-444-7163 www.cpedv.org |
| Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence Post Office Box 18902 Denver CO 80218 | 303-832-7067 Fax 303-831-9632 www.ccadv.org |
| Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-888-774-2900 90 Pitkin StreetE. Hartford CT 06108 | 860-282-7892 Fax 860-282-7899 www.ctcadv.org |
| Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence 100 W. 10th Street Suite 703 Wilmington DE19801 | 302-658-5049 Fax 302-658-2958 www.dcadv.org |
| District of Columbia Coalition Against Domestic Violence 5 Thomas Circle, NW Washington DC 20005 | 202-299-1193 Fax 202-299-1181 www.dccadv.org |
| Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-800-500-1119 425 Office Plaza DriveTallahassee FL 32301 | 850-425-3091 Fax 850-425-2749 www.fcadv.org |
| Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-800-33-HAVEN 114 New St. Suite BDecatur GA 30030 | 404-766-3800 Fax 404-209-0280 www.gcadv.org |
| Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence 716 Umi Street Suite 210 Honolulu HI 96819-2337 | 808-841-6028 Fax 808-832-9316 www.hscadv.org |
| Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence 800-699-3176 300 E. Mallard Dr Suite 130Boise ID 83706 | 208-331-0687 Fax 208-384-0419 www.idvsa.org |
| Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence 801 S. 11th Street Springfield IL 62703 | 217-789-1939 Fax 217-789-2830 www.ilcadv.org |
| Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-800-332-7385 1915 W. 18th Street Suite BIndianapolis IN 46202 | 317-917-3695 Fax 317-917-3685 www.violenceresource.org |
| Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-800-942-0333 515 28th St.Suite 104 Des Moines IA 50321 | 515-244-7417 Fax 515-244-8028 www.icadv.org |
| Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence 1-888-END-ABUSE 634 SW Harrison St. Suite 100 Topeka KS 66603 | 785-266-1874 Fax 785-232-9784 www.kcsdv.org |
| Kentucky Domestic Violence Association Post Office Box 356 Frankfort KY 40601 | 502-226-5382 Fax 502-209-5382 www.kdva.org |
| Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Post Office Box 7730 Baton Rouge LA 70879 | 225-751-8927 Fax 225-752-1296 www.lcadv.org |
| Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence 170 Park Street Bangor ME 04401 | 207-941-2327 Fax 207-941-1194 www.mcedv.org |
| Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence 1-800-MD-HELPS 6911 Laurel Bowie RdSuite 309 Bowie MD 20715 | 301-809-0422 Fax 301-352-4574 www.mnadv.org |
| Jane Doe, Inc. - MCASADV 1-877-785-2020 14 Beacon Street #507 Boston MA 02108 | 617-248-0902 Fax 617-248-0922 www.janedoe.org |
| Michigan Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence 3893 Okemos Rd #B2 Okemos MI 48864 | 517-347-1377 Fax 517-347-7000 www.mcadsv.org |
| Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women 800.289.6177 590 Park St Suite 410 St. Paul MN 55103 | 651-646-1527 Fax 651-646-6177 www.mcbw.org |
| Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence 800.898.3234 Post Office Box 4703 Jackson MS 39296 | 601-981-2501 Fax 601-981-9196 www.mcadv.org |
| Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence 718 East Capitol Avenue Jefferson City MO 65101 | 573-636-3728 Fax 573-634-4161 www.mocadv.org |
| Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Post Office Box 818 Helena MT 59624 | 406-443-7818 Fax 406-443-7794 www.mcadsv.com |
| Nebraska Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Coalition 800.876.6238 (English) 877.275.0167 (Spanish)825 M St Suite 404 Lincoln NE 68508 | 402-476-6806 Fax 402-476-6256 www.ndvsac.org |
| Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence 1-800-500 -1556 100 W. Grove St Suite 315 Reno NV 89509 | 775-828-9911 Fax 775-828-1115 www.nnadv.org |
| New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence 866.644.3574 (Domestic Violence) 800.277.5570 (Sexual Violence Hotline) Post Office Box 353 Concord NH 03302-0353 | 603-228-6096 Fax 603-224-8893 www.newbeginningsnh.org |
| New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women 1-800-572-SAFE 1670 Whitehorse-Hamilton Sq. Rd. Trenton NJ 08690-3541 | 609-584-9750 Fax 609-584-8107 www.njcbw.org |
| New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-800-773-3645 201 Coal Ave, SW Albuquerque NM 87102 | 505-246-9434 Fax 505-246-9240 www.nmcadv.org |
| New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-800-942-6906 (English) 1-800-942-6908 (Spanish) 350 New Scotland Ave Albany NY 12208 | 518-482-3807 Fax 518-482-5465 www.nyscadv.org |
| North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence 888-232-9124 115 Market St Suite 400 Durham NC 27701 | 919-682-1449 Fax 919-956-9124 www.nccadv.org |
| North Dakota Council on Abused Women's Services 888-255-6240 418 E. Rosser Ave Suite 320 Bismark ND 58501 | 701-255-1904 Fax 701-255-6240 www.ndcaws.org |
| Ohio Domestic Violence Network 1-800-934-9840 4807 Evanswood Dr Suite 201 Columbus OH 43229 | 614-781-9652 Fax 614-781-9651 www.odvn.org |
| Oklahoma Coalition Against D V & Sexual Assault 800-522-7233 3815 N. Santa Fe Ave Suite 124 Oklahoma City OK 73118 | 405-524-0711 Fax 405-524-0700 www.ocadvsa.org |
| Oregon Coalition Against Domestic Violence & SA 1-888-235-5333 380 SE Capitol Spokane St. Suite 100 Portland OR 97202 | 503-230-1973 Fax 503-230-1951 www.ocadsv.com |
| Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence 800.932.4632; 800.553.2508 (TTY) 6400 Flank Drive #1300 Harrisburg PA 17112 | 717-671-8149 Fax 717-545-6400 www.pcadv.org |
| Coordinadora Paz para la Mujer PO Box 193008 San Juan PR 0019-3008 | 787-767-6843 Fax 787-281-7579 www.pazparalamujer.org |
| Texas Council on Family Violence 1-800-799-SAFE; 800-787-3224 (TTY) Post Office Box 161810 Austin TX 78716 | 512-794-1199 Fax 512-794-1133 www.tcfv.org |
| Utah Domestic Violence Council 800-897-5465 205 N. 400 West Salt Lake City UT 84103 | 801-521-5548 Fax 801-521-5544 www.udvc.org |
| Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Post Office Box 405 Montpelier VT 05601 | 802-223-6943 Fax 802-223-1302 www.vtnetwork.org |
| Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance 1-800-838-8238 1010 N. Thompson St. #202 Richmond VA 23230 | 804-377-0339 Fax 804-377-0335 www.vsdvalliance.org |
| Women's Coalition of St. Croix 800-562-6025 PO Box 2734 Christiansted St. Croix VI 00822 | 340-773-9062 Fax 340-773-9272 www.wcstx.com |
| Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-800-562-6025 1402 3rd Ave Suite 406 Seattle WA 98101 | 206-389-2520 Fax 206-389-2515 www.wscadv.org |
| West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence Elk Office Center 4710 Chimney Dr Suite A Charleston WV 25302 | 304-965-3572 Fax 304-965-3552 www.wvcadv.org |
| Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence 307 S. Paterson St Suite 1 Madison WI 53703 | 608-255-3560 Fax 608-255-0539 www.wcadv.org |
| Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault 1-800-990-3877 Post Office Box 236 Laramie WY 82073 | 307-755-5482 Fax 307-755-5481 www.users.qwest.net/~wyomingcoalition |
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COUNTS
NATIONAL NETWORK TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
DV Counts: NCDVS 2006 Census Report
In November 2006, 1,243 out of 2,016 identified local domestic violence programs across the United States participated in the first National Census of Domestic Violence Services (NCDVS). Designed to address the safety and confidentiality needs of victims, this Census collected an unduplicated, non-invasive count of adults and children who received critical services from local domestic violence programs during the 24-hour survey period. Since approximately 62% of local domestic violence programs in the U.S. participated, this Census provides a powerful glimpse but remains an undercount of the actual number of victims who sought and received services from local domestic violence programs nationwide in a 24-hour period.
The 2006 NCDVS results are highlighted in a new report, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COUNTS, released March 13, 2007 by the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
To view these files, you need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader
2006 Report
2006 Report (doublesided folded booklet layout, have printer "flip on short side")
Link to Snapshots by State/Territory
2006 Report & Five Appendices
2006 Five Appendices
Appendix 1: Executive Summary
Appendix 1 Executive Summary In Spanish: En Español Resumen Ejecutivo. El Censo Nacional de Servicios de Violencia Doméstica.
Appendix 2: Unmet Demand for Services
Appendix 3: Staff and Volunteer Counts
Appendix 4. Communities And Individuals Served
Appendix 5. Explanation of Methods
2006 Supplements: Snapshots By State/Territory, Talking Points for Local Organizations, Press Release, Survey Instrument Packet
The next NCDVS: Local domestic violence programs can now fill out this webform to receive updates about the 2007 Census rollout for DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COUNTS.
DV Counts: NCDVS 2006 Census Report
 | DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COUNTS A 24-hour census of domestic violence shelters and services across the United States By the National Network to End Domestic Violence Published March 13, 2007. |
In November 2006, 1,243 out of 2,016 identified local domestic violence programs across the United States participated in the first National Census of Domestic Violence Services (NCDVS). Designed to address the safety and confidentiality needs of victims, this Census collected an unduplicated, non-invasive count of adults and children who received critical services from local domestic violence programs during the 24-hour survey period. Since approximately 62% of local domestic violence programs in the U.S. participated, this Census provides a powerful glimpse but remains an undercount of the actual number of victims who sought and received services from local domestic violence programs nationwide in a 24-hour period.
The 2006 NCDVS results are highlighted in a new report, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COUNTS, released March 13, 2007 by the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
To view these files, you need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader
The next NCDVS: Local domestic violence programs can now fill out this webform to receive updates about the 2007 Census rollout for DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COUNTS.
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