What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors, including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks, as well as economic coercion, that adults or adolescents use to gain power and control over their intimate partners.

Domestic violence is lethal, common, and affects people of all cultures, religions, ages, sexual orientations, educational backgrounds and income levels.

Domestic violence is a crime and it happens in many different ways.

Prevalence and Impact

More than 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and more than 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. 1

1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. 2

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. 3

Domestic violence is one of the top three causes of homelessness among families in the 23 major cities surveyed (including Philadelphia). 4

Transgender women are three times more likely to be stalked, experience financial abuse, and/or endure sexual harassment than individuals who do not identify as transgender.5

43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical abuse, and/or stalking by an intimate partner, compared to 35% of heterosexual women.6

Men are not immune to abusive relationships - 26% of gay men and more than 37% of bisexual men have experienced rape, physical abuse, and/or stalking by an intimate partner, compared to 29% of heterosexual men.7

1,2 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey 2010 Summary Report, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
3 The American College of Emergency Physicians, 2003
4 United States Conference of Mayors, 2007

5 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Intimate Partner Violence in 2016, National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs
6,7 Intimate Partner Violence in the United States - 2010, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Natalie's New Beginning

Entering the Women Against Abuse safe haven – really leaving for good – was the culmination of 10 years of relationship abuse; more arguments, threats and sleepless nights than Natalie* could count. They had children together, shared a life together, depended on each other financially. It wasn’t easy to break things off.

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LATICIA'S STORY

“We were just a couple trying to make a relationship work,” reflected Laticia.

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Dana’s Story

Former emergency safe haven resident Dana*, exuded intelligence and bright-spirits, and had worked hard for her credentials.

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Doug Schoenberg’s Story

Doug Schoenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of SofterWare, Inc., recently provided a challenge match through the Schoenberg Family Charitable Fund as an incentive to help Women Against Abuse gain new monthly donors.

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Beth Huffman's Story

When a survivor's child was in trouble, Beth Huffman helped organize a press conference to get the story out on behalf of Women Against Abuse's Legal Center.

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Allison’s Story

Allison* cringed at her reflection in the mirror as she gently dabbed concealer over the bruises circling her eye.

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Mike, a former police detective with the Philadelphia Police Department, has been working as the police liaison for Women Against Abuse, so that he can help survivors in ways he couldn’t as a detective.

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Khadijah's Story

It was young love, and it felt exciting. Looking back, there were red flags early on, but I didn’t see them at the time.

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Alyssa’s Story

Alyssa*, a person with a disability who uses a wheelchair, was living with her parents.

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Overbrook Presbyterian’s Story

The Women’s Dining Circle of Overbrook Presbyterian Church knows how to make fundraising down right fun. In January, the Dining Circle hosted a dinner that raised over $1,200 for Women Against Abuse.

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If you or someone you know needs help, call our toll-free 24-hour Hotline:

1.866.723.3014

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