• In California, 200,000 incidents of domestic violence were reported in 1990, a 3% increase from the previous year.

• Women are overwhelmingly the victims of domestic violence. Battered women suffer from low self-esteem, guilt, anxiety, and terror as a result of the violence they experience. The may internalize the blame for the batterer’s violence and believe their only choice is to remain with their abuser. Many experts believe that women battered as adults were abused as children. When violence has been as routine part of a victim’s life, it is considered normal behavior, it is especially hard for the women involved to see it as a crime and seek help.

• Female victims are confronted with many barriers that prevent them from living lives free of violence. A lack of economic power is a key factor. Financial dependence on one’s husband or partner makes it more difficult to leave an abusive relationship. Women trying to leave their abusers often face problems of obtaining adequate child care and housing. Generally a lack of job-related skills keeps many women from obtaining employment which pays enough for them to support their families. Additionally, abused women lack self-esteem and are more likely to suffer from disorders such as major depression, alcohol, and other substance abuse/dependence, generalized anxiety, post traumatic stress disorders and suicidal tendencies.

Effects of Domestic Violence on Children:

• Children in homes where domestic violence occurs are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate of 1500% higher than the national average in the general population.
• Approximately 90% of children are aware of the violence directed at their mother.
• Older children may be hurt while trying to protect their mother.
• Children are present in 41% -55% of homes where police intervene in domestic violence calls.