Victims
Who Are The Victims?
Simply being female is the single greatest factor that increases one's risk of becoming a victim of domestic violence. Aside from this, there is no clear method or list of characteristics that will determine a future victim. The problem of domestic violence crosses all socioeconomic boundaries. Each year 2,000 to 4,000 women are killed as a result of domestic violence in the United States. Battered women are of every age, race, religion, ethnicity, and social class, both single and married. As many as 60% of battered women experience abuse during pregnancy.
Why do batterers assault their partners?
Given these alarming statistics, the question should be, "Why do so many batterers assault their partners?" But many people immediately ask, "Why do so many battered women stay?" The reality is many try to leave, but leaving does not guarantee safety.
Violence often escalates after the victim decides to leave her partner. Despite this fact, thousands attempt to leave their abusers every day only to discover there are few resources available or that they lack the funds to provide themselves and their children with everyday necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Is there abuse within gay relationships? Abuse in lesbian and gay relationships is a reality for approximately 25-45% of homosexuals in intimate relationships. The tactics that an abusive partner uses include physical, sexual, emotional, and verbal abuse. Abuse in same-sex relationships is not "just like" abuse in heterosexual relationships. The issues of a lesbian or gay victim of abuse are complex. Victims are often extremely isolated, not only due to the abuse but also due to the conditions of homophobia that exist in society. But there is help and. support available.
