Who Does Domestic Violence Affect the Most?

Many people associate domestic violence with physical abuse. They might assume that if they’re not physically hurt, they don’t “qualify” as a victim. On the contrary, domestic violence (also known as dating abuse or intimate partner violence) can take a number of different forms. Emotional, verbal, sexual and financial abuse are all forms of domestic violence. Anyone, regardless of age, sex, race, orientation, marital status, economic status and religion, can be a perpetrator or a victim of domestic violence. If you’re in an abusive situation, domestic violence counseling in Yakima, WA can be a good way to get free.

Who is most likely to be abused?

Every year, 10 million Americans are abused by their intimate partner or a family member. Women are more likely to be physically abused, with one in four women reporting that they have experienced severe domestic violence. One in nine men report the same. Women between the ages of 18 and 24 are the most likely to experience any form of domestic violence.

However, just because women are more likely to be abused doesn’t mean that men aren’t abused as well. They are—and in fact, they are more likely to underreport their abuse thanks to social stigma.

The impact of abuse

If you’re a victim of domestic violence, it can quickly take over your life. Here are some of the ways it can impact your life:

• Depression: Victims of domestic violence are more likely to report depression and suicidal ideation.
• Economic impact: Domestic violence costs over $8 billion each year, and Americans lose over 8 million paid workdays per year. Anywhere from 21 to 60 percent of victims lose their jobs due to the abuse, which can make it harder to escape.
• Homicide: In murder-suicide cases, 72 percent are due to domestic violence, and 94 percent of those victims are female.
• Sexual health: Women who are abused by their partner are much more likely to contract an STI, especially if they have been forced into intercourse. The long-term stress also makes it more likely.
• Physical health: Victims of abuse are more likely to suffer from long-term physical health problems, such as gastrointestinal disorders, forced pregnancy, miscarriage, hypertension and heart issues.

What to do if you or someone you know is being abused

If you or a loved one is suffering from domestic violence, help is available. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can provide advice and resources: call them at 800-799-SAFE (7233).

Once you or your loved one are in a safe location, consider seeking domestic violence counseling in Yakima, WA. This will help you cope with your trauma, learn new ways to avoid experiencing similar situations and help prevent you from going back to your abuser. Most importantly, make sure you confide in family and friends, who can help keep you safe during this frightening and difficult time.

For domestic violence counseling, call Apple Valley Counseling Services LLC. We help by providing safe and affordable counseling services.

Categorised in: Domestic Abuse

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