People who experience domestic violence are far more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, sleeping and eating disorders, and mental health problems. They are also more likely to have health problems (stroke, heart disease, asthma) and are more likely to have substance abuse problems.

Children who witness domestic violence are more likely to be in an abusive relationship when they grow up - whether as the abuser or the abused; and often experience anxiety, depression, eating and sleeping disorders, and developmental delays. 

National Statistics:   

Between two and four million women are physically abused each year in the United States. Of these, 2,000 women die of the injuries they suffer. 1

Nearly one in four American women report being physically or sexually abused by a partner at some point in their lives. 2

Domestic violence is one of the top three causes of homelessness among families in the 23 major cities surveyed (including Philadelphia). 3

1 The American College of Emergency Physicians, 2003
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008
3 United States Conference of Mayors, 2007

In Philadelphia:

Over 137,913 domestic abuse incidents were responded to by the Philadelphia Police Department in 2009.

In 2008, 11,082 petitions for Protection From Abuse Order (PFA) were filed in Philadelphia Family Court.

Domestic violence homicides doubled in 2009, even though the total number of homicides citywide significantly decreased.

The Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline provided services to 9,599 callers in 2009.