Battered Women Research

National studies estimate that 3 to 4 million women are beaten each year in our country. A study conducted in 1995 found that 31% of women surveyed admitted to having been physically assaulted by a husband or boyfriend. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in our country, and the FBI estimates that a woman is beaten every 15 seconds. Thirty percent of female homicide victims are killed by partners or ex-partners and 1,500 women are murdered as a result of domestic violence each year in the United States.

Characteristics Of Victims

1. In all socio-economic, educational, racial and age groups.
2. 50% of battered women report violence in family of origin.
3. Many report marrying young to escape violent homes.
4. Many, not all, witnessed some form of abuse as children or adults.
5. Low self-esteem. Question their right to have any better life than the one they presently have with violence.
6. Underestimate themselves and believe that they cannot do better on their own.
7. Feel powerless and believe they have no choices.
8. Hopeless and immobilized by the abuser taking control of the victim. Seem to lose the ability to make independent decisions and changes.
9. Depression, suicide, substance abuse, psychosomatic illnesses are all coping behaviors observed with victims.
10. Lack of trust due to a history of isolation and feelings of helplessness.
11. Chronic apprehension. Agitation and anxiety about routine decisions is frequent
12. Unable to relax, disturbed sleeping patterns. Always feel as if they are being guarded.
13. Peace keepers. Trying to keep the home calm, so the abuser isn’t triggered.
14. Take blame.
15. Feel guilty because they disturb neighbors, their children have problems, and their families get hurt and involved. Feel that they are responsible for the abusers actions.
16. Usually female.
17. Care givers. Desire to nurture, rescue, and take care of others.

http://batteredwomen.com/@page_id=317.htm

One in four women (25%) has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime.

http://www.dvrc-or.org/domestic/violence/resources/C61/

http://www.ncadv.org/files/DomesticViolenceFactSheet(National).pdf

http://www.now.org/