Most people who have never encountered domestic violence on a personal level have no idea how common it is. The truth is that instances of domestic violence in the United States are much higher than anyone should be comfortable with. While current statistics show that domestic violence is increasing, some question if this is just the result of more victims coming forward.
Regardless of why the statistics are increasing, the reality is that too many people are abused. If you have been on the receiving end of abuse then we highly recommend you contact a family law attorney who can help you. At Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell we are here to help – just contact our offices at 909-482-1422.
Taking a look at the raw data
The most recent study shows that each year four million instances of domestic violence are reported in the United States. One study done in Memphis found that when a person commits domestic violence, 75% of them spend less than 18 hours in jail and 67% of those arrested were already on probation or parole. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Other studies and analyses of statistics have found:
- As many as six million women are abused in their homes each year and four million of them report it.
- One million women visit either their own physician or the emergency room to be treated for injuries caused by spousal abuse.
- It costs between $3 billion and $5 billion each year to treat these injuries.
- In some cities, domestic violence is the single most reported crime – more than burglary, assault, battery – any other charge.
- The FBI estimated in 1995 that a woman is battered in this country every seven seconds.
- 90% of men and 80% of women who are in prison were abused in their lives.
These statistics should be sobering for anyone who does not think this is a major issue in the United States – and many experts say that these statistics actually underreport cases.
Domestic violence can be a major role in divorce
While society may assume that a person who has been abused would feel nothing but relief when finally leaving their abuser and going through a divorce, this is not always true. It can be terrifying to suddenly be on their own. Their abuser will often contact them and put pressure on them not to get divorced. Just the act of filing for divorce requires that the abused person interact with the abuser.
Fortunately, there is protection for those who have been victims of abuse. Just ask your family law attorney. We can work to request restraining orders and can ensure that you are never alone with your abuser during the divorce proceedings. Please contact our offices at 909-482-1422 right away for a consultation. It will be 100% confidential.
