DID YOU KNOW: Georgia holds the unfortunate distinction of ranking 10th in the nation for men killing women in single-victim homicides, most of which are domestic violence murders, according to a study conducted by the Violence Policy Center. Over the past 10 years, the project has recorded the deaths of over 1,200 Georgians due to domestic violence.

 

In 2012, we recorded the deaths of 128 Georgians due to domestic violence. Already this year in Georgia, 34 people have lost their lives. In response to these numbers

 

Domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income, or other factors.

 

The Victims

• One in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime.

• Women experience more than 4 million physical assaults and rapes because of their partners, and men are victims of nearly 3 million physical assaults.

• Women are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner than men

• Women ages 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence.

• Every year, 1 in 3 women who is a victim of homicide is murdered by her current or former partner.

 

The Families

• Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes.

• Children who live in homes where there is domestic violence also suffer abuse or neglect at high rates (30% to 60%).

• A 2005 study found that children exposed to domestic violence at home are more likely to have health problems, including becoming sick more often, having frequent headaches or stomachaches, and being more tired and lethargic.

• A 2003 study found that children are more likely to intervene when they witness severe violence against a parent – which can place a child at great risk for injury or even death