What is Domestic Violence and its Effects on the Community?

What is Domestic Violence?

It is a pattern of physical, sexual, psychological, and/or economic assaultive and coercive behaviors used against intimate partners. It does not need to be physical abuse.

The Effects of Domestic Violence on the Community

• Hospitals - an estimated 1/3 of women seeking care in emergency rooms are victims of domestic abuse
• Community Infrastructure - drain on the police, fire, and social services departments.
• Employers - lost revenue, lower productivity, increased cost of health insurance
• Schools - violence seen at home is often perpetuated at school

What Works?

Prevention education and support systems such as counseling, crisis shelters, transitional living and employment programs. Although women are at increased risk of injury when trying to leave, they are safer only if they have a safety plan or are able to leave the abuser.