Ten Tips to Keep Your Kids Drug Free
Are You A Victim of Domestic Violence?
According to the FBI, every 15 seconds a woman is battered in the United States by her husband, boyfriend, or live-in partner. Recent findings by the Surgeon General reveal that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44, and is more common than automobile accidents, muggings, and cancer deaths combined!
Although official estimates of domestic violence rely largely on FBI, police and emergency room exam reports, in fact, many women also report domestic violence to friends, family, relatives, and ministers. These sources of information are not included in national crime surveys. Hence, statistics do not reflect the amount of violence experienced in intimate relationships,, and in the home.. However, what the statistics do reveal about domestic violence is alarming…..
It is estimated that only 10% of battering incidents are ever reported to the police.
Medical expenses from domestic violence total from $3-5 billion annually. Businesses forfeit another $100 million in lost wages, sick leave, absenteeism and non-productivity.
20% of emergency room visits by women relate to abuse.
40% of women murdered are killed by their partners.
25% of all female suicide victims have also been victims of domestic violence.
More than 53% of abusers beat their children as well. As violence against women becomes more severe and more frequent in the home, children experience a 300% increase in physical violence by the male batterer.
Effects on Children who Witness Domestic Violence
Children who witness domestic violence commonly experience several general reactions including feeling responsible for the abuse, feeling guilt for not being able to stop the abuse,, and chronic anxiety even when things are calm.
As many as 30% of pregnant women may be battered and are twice as likely to miscarry, and four times as likely to have a low birth weight baby. Infants who witness abuse suffer from sleep and eating disorders, and are more likely to be diagnosed as "colicky" and as "failure to thrive" babies.
Toddlers living in violent homes commonly experience speech problems, problems relating to other children, toilet training difficulties, eating and sleep disorders, and are more passive and fearful than children living in non-violent homes.
Older children who witness domestic violence commonly experience low self-esteem, depression, anger, running away, early interest in drugs or alcohol, bedwetting, fear of the dark, temper tantrums, early sexual activity including teenage pregnancy, do poorly in school and in social situations, and develop eating disorders.
Juveniles living in violent homes were 7 times more likely to attempt suicide,; 24 times more likely to sexually assault a younger child; 76% more likely to commit crimes against people,; and 50% more likely to abuse drugs.
If You Are a Domestic Violence Victim the Brush Police Department Recommends the Following:
Report an act of violence to us at 842-5021.. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. The dispatcher will ask you questions in order to determine the nature of the emergency and to provide the best possible response.
Don't be reluctant to have the police arrest your spouse. Studies show that when the police arrest a suspect for domestic violence, the offender is less likely to assault the victim again. Our officers are required, by law, to arrest a suspected batterer when there is probable cause to do so.
If you are not ready to make a police report but would like to talk to someone confidentially about your options, contact Chief Thomas at the Police Department at 842-5074.