Domestic Violence or Abuse is a pattern of behavior used by one person in order to establish and maintain power and control in a relationship. Abusers repeatedly subject their victims to forceful physical and/or psychological behavior in order to coerce the victim’s rights, feelings or well-being.
More than 1 in 3 women say they are abused by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.
In West Virginia, a domestic homicide occurs every 14 days.
Approximately 1 in 5 female high school students report being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.
Some women become disabled because of the abuse.
Physical abuse can result in disabilities including spinal cord injuries, cognitive disabilities, sensory impairments, head injuries, etc. The traumatic experience of being victimized by a pattern of emotional and physical control can contribute to some forms of mental illness.
Domestic Violence is the leading cause of serious injury to women- more common than muggings, rapes and car crashes combined.
