Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
A few days ago, a post on this blog talked a little about how to deal with an order of protection that has been filed against you. At our law firm, we believe that every person deserves to have their rights and freedoms fully protected as due process takes its course, including in cases related to domestic violence. There is no excuse for inflicting abuse of any kind on a spouse, child, domestic partner, or any other member of a person’s household and family. In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we would like to take the opportunity to express our support for victims of domestic violence and abuse throughout our region and across the country.
Troubling Statistics
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating awareness of the scourge of domestic violence on our society. Through educational campaigns and outreach programs, the NCADV works on behalf of victims and survivors, looking for ways to reduce incidents of abuse and make American homes safer for everyone. As part of its efforts, the NCADV is constantly gathering information about domestic violence nationwide and some of the numbers are quite disturbing.
Did you know that:
- In the United States, one in three women and one in four men have been the victim of intimate partner violence at least once in their lives?
- On average, almost 20 individuals every minute are physically abused by a romantic partner in this county, equaling more than 10 million per year?
- On an average day, domestic violence hotlines field about 21,000 calls, averaging to nearly one call every four seconds?
- Young adult women, ages 18-24, are the most commonly abused demographic group?
- Rates of depression and suicidal tendencies are linked with being a victim of domestic violence?
- In a single year in Illinois, there were more than 65,000 reports of domestic violence made to law enforcement, obviously not including the countless others that went unreported?
Seek Help and Safety
If you have been the victim of domestic violence or abuse at the hands of an intimate partner, your physical safety and that of your children should be your top priorities. Get to a safe place, either with trusted friends or family or a community resource program before something tragic and irreversible occurs. Only then should you start worrying about your legal options.
Once you have reached that stage, you will need advocate on your side who will fight to protect your rights and your dignity. Contact an experienced DuPage County family law attorney to get the help and compassion you need at a difficult time. Call Pesce Law Group, P.C. at 630-352-2240 for a free consultation today. We are proud to stand united with victims and survivors of domestic violence as we look to end such problems in our communities.
Sources:
http://ncadv.org/learn-more/statistics
http://ncadv.org/files/Illinois.pdf