Takeaways from Domestic Violence Awareness Month
811 victims were killed in domestic violence homicides between 2000 and 2019, while 72 people — both victims and perpetrators — were killed by domestic violence in 2019 alone, according to the Annual WI Domestic Violence Homicide Report. This staggering statistic demonstrates the seriousness and prevalence of domestic violence in Wisconsin, and there’s no better time to discuss the facts and figures surrounding domestic violence crimes than during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Every October since 1987, this month-long observance served as a reminder of the extent and impacts of domestic violence. Advocates work to end domestic violence by raising awareness and offering support and resources to victims. This year, our Milwaukee domestic violence defense lawyers want to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month by sharing key statistics that could better help you understand the impacts of this crime.
As defenders of the accused, we recognize the need to not only protect our clients’ best interests but also provide them with significant information to better understand their charges. The following data exemplifies why prosecutors are extremely tough on those accused of domestic violence, in addition to how widespread this crime is.
Nationwide Data
- Annually, an average of 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner, equating to more than 10 million Americans suffering from domestic violence each year
- Women are twice as likely to be targets of domestic violence than men
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner
- 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have been injured by an intimate partner
- 1 in 10 women have been raped by an intimate partner
- The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%
- Domestic victimization is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior
- The cost of intimate partner violence exceeds $8.3 billion per year
Wisconsin 2019 Data
- At least 56% of the victims of intimate partner homicides were killed after the relationship ended or when one person in the relationship was working to end the relationship
- The average age of perpetrators and victims was 36 years old
- Firearms were used in 56% of domestic violence homicide incidents
- There were 19 perpetrator suicides in 2019, which is the highest number of such suicides since collecting data
- Since 2005 in Wisconsin, firearms accounted for more domestic violence homicides than all other methods of killing combined
Were You Accused of Domestic Violence?
It is important to remember that domestic violence is not just physical abuse but also emotional, sexual, mental and financial abuse, to name some. That’s why it can be difficult for domestic violence defendants to understand why they were accused of such offense; many perpetrators simply didn’t realize they were committing domestic violence.
Luckily, there is hope. We believe that no one should have to suffer domestic violence charges and their subsequent impacts when they don’t have to, therefore our lawyer will go the extra mile to formulate a strategic defense on your behalf. It may offer a greater chance at getting your domestic violence charges minimized or dropped altogether.
To speak with our Milwaukee domestic violence attorney by contacting us online or calling (414) 882-8382 today!