Domestic Violence

The subject of domestic violence is constantly present in the newspaper lately, ranging from professional athletes to high-profile child-abuse cases. We often read the headlines, skim the articles, and shake our head at the injustice of it all, but do we really know about the domestic violence and abuse happening daily in our states, cities, and local communities? Awareness is the first step in helping people, and we hope this blog will increase your awareness of the terrible effects and wide reach of domestic violence. Here are some stories, statistics, and general information about domestic abuse that we hope will inspire you to take action.

*Certain details of this story may be upsetting to some; the content may not be appropriate for young readers*

The following is an excerpt from a recent article about domestic abuse in the Huffington Post:

Police rescued the little girl from a Mesa apartment on Monday after a tipster alerted them of her condition. Responding officers reported finding the child inside a closet. According to the probable cause statement, the child, who was wearing a diaper and T-shirt, was bound, gagged and “inside a black trash bag with only the top of her head exposed. The victim was covered in human feces.”

Authorities’ attempts to interview the child have been unsuccessful. “It is unknown at this time if she is unable to speak or will not speak due to the emotional and physical trauma she has sustained,” reads the probable cause statement.

Fortunately, authorities were able to save this little girl from her abusive situation. But the physiological and psychological effects of abuse can last a lifetime, and we need to be aware of what is happening in our communities in order to help those who need it.

(To read the full story, click here)

Some facts and statistics about domestic violence in Los Angeles and around the country:

• By age 12, 83% of homeless children have been exposed to at least one serious violent event and nearly 25% have witnessed acts of violence within their families. ²
• Reported cases of domestic violence are up 5%, according to the LAPD ¹
• Victimization rates were highest among the youngest population of children, birth to 3 years, at a rate of 16.5 per 1,000 children (USDHHS, 2007). ³
• For FFY (federal fiscal year) 2013, there were a nationally estimated 679,000 victims of abuse and neglect, resulting in a rate of 9.1 victims per 1,000 children in the population ⁸
• In 2012, an estimated 1,640 children died from child maltreatment (rate of 2.2 per 100,000 children) ⁴
• Domestic violence occurs in all cultures, races, income levels, and ages. In fact, approximately one-third of the men counseled (for battering) are professional men who are well respected in their jobs and their communities. These have included doctors, psychologists, lawyers, ministers, and business executives. ⁶
• Nationally, 50% of all homeless women and children are on the streets because of violence in the home ⁶
• There are nearly three times as many animal shelters in the United States as there are shelters for battered women and their children ⁶
• Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between ages 15 and 44 in the United States ⁶
• 63% of the young men between the ages of 11 and 20 who are serving time for homicide have killed their mother’s abuser ⁶
• Victims of domestic violence often have to leave abruptly and quickly, and are unable to gather and pack their belongings. As a result, their children likely don’t have basic necessities when they arrive at a shelter.

Statistics are often not enough to understand the full picture of a situation. These victim’s stories need to be told and understood in order to help them and raise awareness about their lives.

My Stuff Bags Foundation is working to remedy one part of this problem: the fact that children arrive at crisis shelters without any personal belongings, such as toiletries, clothing, or a stuffed animal. To learn more about My Stuff Bags effort to help these children, explore our website.

Sources:

1. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-los-angeles-domestic-violence-audit-20151001-story.html
2. https://www.domesticshelters.org/domestic-violence-statistics/homelessness-and-domestic-violence#.VrpwCcd0M0t
3. http://www.americanhumane.org/children/stop-child-abuse/fact-sheets/child-abuse-and-neglect-statistics.html
4. http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/childmaltreatment-facts-at-a-glance.pdf
5. http://www.theawl.com/2014/02/meet-some-of-the-children-who-died-in-los-angeles-because-the-citys-child-protection-system-is-broken
6. http://www.lapdonline.org/domestic_violence/content_basic_view/8862
7. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/abused-child-feces-arizona_us_569fed89e4b076aadcc503a0
8. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/cb/cm2013.pdf