Signs of a Violent Relationship

Update - Increase in domestic violence before the holidays this year

(Austin-12/8/05) During the 61 days of October and November, 39 Texans have been killed statewide as a result of domestic violence in this two month period. Unfortunately, this year, the number has increased in the months leading up to the holiday season. 23 women were killed by their male intimate partners, Two men were killed by their female intimate partners, 10 men killed themselves after killing their intimate partners, and four people were secondary victims, including two children and a Dallas police officer.

In 2004, 116 Texas women were killed my their male intimate partners. According to a 2002 TCFV survey, 74% of Texans either know someone who has experienced domestic violence or are victims themselves.

Please encourage victims, batterers or friends and family members to " Break the Silence and Make the Call " this holiday season. National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-SAFE) is available 24 hours a day/365 days a year (Texas Council on Family Violence). All calls are anonymous.

	In the United States 11 women die daily as victims of abuse by their partners. - *FBI*
	Family Violence is believed to be the most common yet least reported crime in the country. Fewer than 1 in 10 battered women report their abuse to the police. - *FBI*
	Family violence occurs in all races and socio-economic groups.
	Battering is the #1 crime and cause of injury to women in the U.S. - *U.S. Surgeon General*
	70% of men who batter their wives also batter their children. - *National Women Abuse Prevention Project*
	79% of spousal abuse is committed by men who are divorced or separated from their wives. - *Harlow*
	Battered women are 5 times more likely to attempt suicide. - *Stark and Flitcraft*
	Being abused or neglected as a child increases the likelihood of arrest as a juvenile by 33%, as an adult by 38%, and for a violent crime by 38%. - *National Institute of Justice*
	One of every two women will be beaten by a husband or lover at least once in her lifetime. - American Medical Society

Did you know lifetime patterns are not easily broken. Family violence is learned behavior and passed from generation to generation. Exposure to family violence in childhood is the leading contributing factor to adult domestic violence.

Batterers will continue to abuse their partners and children until society condemns their behavior and ensures immediate consequences. Increased public awareness of family violence results in increased reporting of these crimes and decreased tolerance of such activity by the community.

Effective intervention and prevention of family violence can be expected to have long term benefits for the next generation. Help break the cycle of violence.

Awareness/Education is the key.