Protect Yourself from Abuse

Domestic violence is a widespread problem that occurs among all ages, genders, races, educational backgrounds, and socioeconomic groups.

The Extent of the Problem

Nearly 2 million women are battered annually and more likely than men to be murdered as the result of domestic violence.

Approximately 2 million children annually are seriously abused.

Approximately 900,000 parents are beaten or abused by their children each year.

1 out of every 14 American men report they have been physically assaulted or raped by an intimate partner.

Safety Tips for You and Your Family

If you are the victim of intimate partner violence and need immediate, assistance dial 911. Otherwise, contact your local battered women’s shelter, family physician, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or (1-800-787-3224 TTY ) for help and advice. The National Domestic Violence Hotline website at www.ndvh.org also provides resources.

If you are or think you may become a perpetrator of domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or (1-800-787-3224 TTY) or visit website www.ndvh.org. They can provide helpful information and advice.

Learn the early warning signs for physical violence such as a partner’s extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, verbal threats, history of violent tendencies or abusing others, and verbal or emotional abuse.

Learn more about domestic violence and the warning signs. The more you know, the easier it will be to recognize and help friends who may be victims or perpetrators.

Know what services are available for victims and perpetrators and their children in case you or a friend should need help.

What You Can Do in Your Community

• Support increased access to services for victims and perpetrators and their children.
• Coordinate community initiatives to strengthen safety networks for women who experience violence.
• Increase public awareness to help decrease and prevent domestic violence.

Sources: “Intimate Partner Violence: Prevention Tips and Resources,

CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, www.cdc.gov/ncipc/

American College of Emergency Physicians, www.acep.org

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, www.ncadv.org