The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program: Facts on
Domestic Violence & Economic Abuse
Domestic violence threatens the safety and security of survivors
and their families. This national crisis affects individuals,
families, communities, and businesses. That's why we developed The
Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program that helps survivors
of domestic violence to realize that safer and brighter futures for
themselves and their families are within reach. The following
information illustrates the pervasiveness, threats, and costs of
domestic violence and economic abuse.
Domestic Violence
Because abuse often happens behind closed doors, it is
important to understand the statistics that show just how many
people are affected.
- 1 in 4 women report experiencing domestic violence in their
lifetimes.[1]
- 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths are caused each year as a
result of domestic violence.[2]
- All cultural, religious, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds
are affected by domestic violence.[3]
- Nearly 2.2 million people called local and national domestic
violence hotlines in 2004.[4]
- More than 1.35 million people accessed domestic violence victim
services in 2005.[5]
- The 2009 Allstate Foundation National Poll revealed
- Over 75% of Americans believe the recent economic downturn
further strained domestic violence victims and survivors.
- 67% of Americans believe the poor economy has caused an
increase in domestic violence.[6]
National Impact
Domestic violence can be devastating to families, but its
effect on entire communities runs even deeper.
- Over $5.8 billion each year is spent on health-related costs of
domestic violence.[7]
- Nearly 8 million days of paid work each year is lost due to
domestic violence issues-the equivalent of more than 32,000
full-time jobs.[8]
- 96% of domestic violence victims who are employed experience
problems at work due to abuse.[9]
- 33% of all police time is spent responding to domestic
disturbance calls.[10]
- 57% of cities cite domestic violence against women and children
as the top cause of homelessness.[11]
Domestic Violence & Gender
Domestic violence is an issue that does not discriminate - it
can impact people of all genders, races, incomes and ages. But, the
vast majority of victims of domestic violence are women.
- Survivors of intimate partner violence are overwhelmingly
female.
- 84% of spouse abuse victims are women.
- 86% of victims of abuse by a boyfriend or girlfriend are women.
[12]
- Intimate partner violence against men is overwhelming committed
by male perpetrators.[13]
- Nearly 5.3 million domestic violence incidents occur each year
among women in the U.S. ages 18 and older.[14]
Domestic Violence & Economic Abuse
Physical abuse is the type of domestic violence most commonly
discussed. But, economic abuse, using finances as a tool of power
and control, happens just as frequently.
- 74% of Americans personally know someone who is or has been
abused.[15] However, 75%
Americans also fail to connect domestic violence with economic
abuse.[16]
- Approximately 6 out of 10 Americans strongly agree that the
lack of money and a steady income is often a challenge faced by a
survivor of domestic violence when leaving her/his abuser.[17]
Domestic Violence to Economic Empowerment[18]
Often the term domestic violence evokes images of physical
abuse. However, tens of thousands of women each year also
experience of an equally devastating situation-economic abuse.
Economic abuse can include an abuser preventing victims from
working and accessing bank accounts, credit cards or
transportation, among other isolating tactics. Financial security
is the number one predictor of whether or not a victim of domestic
violence will get free and stay free from abuse.
The path to economic empowerment requires time. Survivors must
search for jobs, participate in job-readiness programs, research
and identify affordable housing and childcare options, repair
credit damaged by abusive partners, and deal with the day-to-day
challenges of taking care of a family. It is not surprising that
survivors of domestic violence need unique assistance to become
financially secure. The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence
Program understands this. We seek to help domestic violence
survivors escape abusive situations and lead safe, financially
secure lives.
The Struggles of Survivors
A complex combination of psychological, cultural, religious,
familial and economic factors contribute to a victim's decision to
remain in or leave an abusive relationship. Behind fear, domestic
violence survivors often cite income, employment and financial
stability as the strongest deterrents to leaving abusive
situations. Survivors often endure the devastation of leaving
behind a home, income, benefits and economic security - regardless
of their education, professional skills and earning potential -
when leaving an abusive situation. The path to safety and security
is often profoundly challenging.
The struggles of survivors of domestic violence for economic
empowerment reverberate throughout every community. Survivors and
current victims of domestic violence are over-represented among
people in poverty. Many women and children are homeless because of
domestic violence.[19]
Research shows that women with economic skills are more likely
to leave abusive situations and sustain themselves and their
families in the long-run.[20]
Until recently, few national resources addressed the range of
economic stability challenges confronting victims. The Allstate
Foundation is taking action. The Allstate Foundation Domestic
Violence Program provides financial knowledge and skills to empower
survivors of domestic violence.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please contact the
National Domestic Violence Hotline to get support and discuss your
options at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TYY).
Contact Information
To learn more about The Allstate Foundation, visit
allstate.com/foundation. For more information on The Allstate
Foundation Domestic Violence Program, visit ClickToEmpower.org or
contact:
The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program:
For general information:
Kyle Donash
847.402.7893
kdonb@allstate.com
|
For information regarding grant
availability:
Madeline Halperin-Robinson
847.402.7586
mhalp@allstate.com |
If you are a survivor of domestic violence or are currently
experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National
Domestic Violence Hotline to receive support and discuss your
options at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TYY).