Staggering Truths of Domestic Violence

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, meaning there is no better time to discuss the key facts and figures of this crime. Domestic violence accounts for physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and financial abuse, among others, and more than 10 million Americans suffer from these acts each year. As a result, Domestic Violence Awareness Month raises awareness of this crime and its impacts, and works to end domestic violence altogether.

In recognition of this month-long observance, let's take a look at the numbers, as provided by the NCADV:

• An average of nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the US, equating to 10 million people annually.
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are victims of severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
  • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. This includes acts such as slapping, shoving and pushing that, in some cases, might not be considered "domestic violence.”
  • 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have been injured by an intimate partner.
  • 1 in 10 women have been raped by an intimate partner.
• Generally, more than 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.
• The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.
• Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.
• Women between the ages of 18-24 are most commonly abused by an intimate partner.2
• 19% of domestic violence incidents involve a weapon.
• Domestic victimization is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior.
• Victims of intimate partner violence lose a total of 8.0 million days of paid work each year

After reviewing these facts, it's not surprising that law enforcement officials stop at nothing to ensure domestic violence defendants suffer the full wrath of the law. It is a widespread crime that often goes unreported in fear of retaliation, and when domestic violence is reported, police officers almost always side with the victim.

COVID-19 is not making this situation better, either. The social, political and economic unrest has increased tensions among many Americans, and it doesn't help that victims are forced to stay at home with their reported abusers, either. Stay-at-home orders are well-intentioned but unfortunately result in increased domestic violence reports, including false allegations by such “victims.” The stress and hardships associated with living at home and adjusting to an abnormal lifestyle can lead to verbal fights, shouting, disagreements and violence.

The pandemic has brought out the worst in people. Don't let it happen to you.

Our Baton Rouge domestic violence defense attorney encourages you to be mindful of your actions and behavior at all times, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are deeply compassionate to your circumstances and struggles as you navigate this “new norm.” But we are also aware that false domestic violence allegations are all too common and can increase during the pandemic.

If you were charged with domestic violence in Baton Rouge, you are not alone. With The Ambeau Law Firm in your corner, you will receive unwavering dedication to your case and aggressive defense at every stage of the process. Our goal is to help minimize the impacts of your domestic violence charges no matter what it takes.

To get started on your defense, contact us online or call (225) 330-7009 today!

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