According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, “More than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the US will experience rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.”
This is just one of many frightening statistics related to domestic violence. Domestic violence impacts everyone, not just the victim. From lost days at work or underperformance to the impact on children who may see and mimic and perpetuate this behavior, we all pay the price. That’s why since 1987, October has been designated as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”
What began as a way for organizations to shine a spotlight on domestic violence issues has now turned into a movement to develop and advance resources for victims and survivors of domestic violence on a national level.
Domestic Violence Statistics
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), “There were 134 victims of domestic violence-related homicide in 2020,” with 77 victims being classified as female and 57 being identified as male.
Additionally, the NCSBI reports six commonplace relationships between victim and offender. These relationships are:
- Current or former spouses
- Persons who are living together or have lived together
- Related as parents and children, including others acting as parents of a minor child or as grandparents of grandchildren
- Have a child in common
- Current or former household members
- Persons who are in relationship or have been in a relationship
Signs of Domestic Violence
Abuse often starts with small things and escalates. Abusers often apologize and promise never to hurt you again, but without professional help, they will likely repeat this abuse. Just a few signs of domestic violence include:
- Trying to distance you from family and friends
- Controlling finances without sharing information and preventing you from accessing money for needed items
- Threatening to harm (or take away) your children or pets
- Intimidating you with weapons or the threat of physical violence
- Showing extreme jealousy of family and friends
- Telling you that you are worthless or can’t do anything right
- Actual physical violence
Click here to learn more signs of domestic violence.
Domestic violence doesn’t always look like what you see in the movies or on TV. You never know what someone is going through.
Seek Help
As a law firm, we are committed to raising awareness about issues that impact our community. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help. Here are a few available resources for you:
Local domestic violence agencies
North Carolina Domestic Violence Programs
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233(SAFE) or TTY 1-800-787-3224