Domestic violence is a crime with violence or abuse in a domestic environment, such as in cohabitation or marriage. Often used synonymously with intimate partner violence, which involves a spouse or intimate partner. However, it can happen to anyone of any age and can occur in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. Domestic violence can also include violence against children, parents or the elderly and can take many forms, including physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse.
The abuser generally believes that the abuse is an acceptable, justified or unlikely to be report. Victims often feel trapped by the aggressor in situations of domestic violence through isolation from family and friends, lack of money, fear, shame, cultural acceptance, power and control. Victims can develop physical disabilities and chronic health problems, as well as severe psychological disorders.
In the United States, about 10 million people experience domestic violence every year. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, about 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner per minute. About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner, sexual violence and/or stalking from an injured partner, PTSD, contracting an STD, etc.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, several resources are available to help.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In Orlando, Florida, Hope & Justice Foundation assists victims of domestic violence through a multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals in the areas of counseling, health and legal matters. In addition to offering victim support programs.
Contact Hope & Justice Foundation via email: contact@hopeandjusticefoundation.org and learn about the services and programs offered.
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