Understanding Domestic Violence

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior by one partner over the other, with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control in the relationship. Typically, domestic violence becomes increasingly frequent and severe over time.

Statistics on Domestic Violence

According to the Surgeon General’s Office, battering is the single largest cause of injury to women in the U.S.

• 5.3 million women per year are battered by their partners.
• 4,000 women die every year as a result of domestic violence.
• An act of domestic violence occurs every 12 seconds.
• 25% of women using emergency room services are there due to battering.
• Over 50% of the mothers of abused children were battered themselves.
• 37% of obstetric patients have been physically abused during pregnancy.
• Battered women represent 25% of all women who attempt suicide.
• 33% of battered women suffer from anxiety and depression.
• Battered women are four to five times more likely to require psychiatric treatment.

Fact (U.S Department of Justice & New York City Department of Health)

• As many as one-third of all high school and college age young people experience violence in an intimate or dating relationship.
• Young women aged 16 to 24 experience the highest rates of violence by a current or former partner.
• Women experience over 10 times more incidents of violence by an intimate partner than do men.
• Ten percent of the identified domestic violence victims treated at NYC public hospitals age under the age of 20, and 7% of abusers identified by domestic violence victims are under the age of 20.
• Ending an abusive relationship is hard. One study found nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser.
• Women, regardless of race, are equally vulnerable to violence by an intimate partner.

Signs and Symptoms of Domestic Violence

• Isolation.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Somatic complaints including headaches, sleep and appetite disturbances, and fatigue.
• Decreased concentration.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Suicidal ideation.
• Substance abuse.
• Repeated injuries or "accidents."
• Poor control of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and ulcers.
• Poor pregnancy outcomes.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.

How Can You Tell if You’re in an Abusive Relationship?

• Are you afraid of your partner?
• Does your partner call you names, put you down, or humiliate you?
• Does your partner push, slap, punch you or hold you down so you can’t leave?
• Does your partner pressure or force you to have sex?
• Does your partner say it’s your fault when she or he hurts you?
• Does your partner go through your things without your permission?
• Does your partner tell you what kind of clothes to wear or how to wear your hair?
• Has your partner pressured you to quit your job or outside activities?

You Should Not

• Ignore the problem or say that it is none of my business.
• Try to intervene or reason with the abusive partner. This can be dangerous, no matter how well you know the person.

If You are being Abused, Remember

• It is not your fault.
• There is no justification for acts of domestic violence.
• You are not alone.
• You can make choices for yourself (and your children).
• Help is available, and you must make the call.

If Someone You Know is being Abused

• Encourage them to call a domestic violence hotline. KAFSC’s bilingual hotline is 718-460-3800.
• Help the victim plan for her/his safety and the safety of the children.
• Call a domestic violence hotline yourself and learn what help is available.

24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotlines

(718) 460-3800 (Korean)
(800) 942-6906 (English)
(800) 942-6908 (Spanish)
(800) 810-7444 (TDD)