STOP

Domestic Violence is not a problem in my community. 

Domestic Abuse only happens to the poor or minority women.

• Domestic violence knows no socio-economic boundaries and is an issue that crosses all races and genders.  Persons of any class, culture, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age, and sex can be victims or perpetrators of domestic violence.

Some People Deserve to be hit.

• No one deserves to be abused. PERIOD! The only person responsible for the abuse is the abuser.

Alcohol, drug abuse, stress and mental illness can cause domestic violence.      

• Alcohol use, drug use, and stress do not cause domestic violence; they may go along with domestic violence, but they do not cause the violence. Abusers often say they use these excuses for their violence.

• Domestic violence is rarely caused by mental illness, but it is often used as an excuse for domestic violence.

Domestic Violence only occurs between a husband and a wife.

• Domestic violence affects everyone.

• About 1 in 3 American women have been physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. (Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across a Woman's Lifespan: the Commonwealth Fund 1998 Survey of Women's Health, 1999) 

• In 1996, 30% of all female murder victims were killed by their husbands or boyfriends. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1997)

• 40% to 60% of men who abuse women also abuse children. (American Psychological Association, Violence and the Family, 1996)

If it were that bad, he/she would just leave.

• There are many reasons why an abuse victim may not leave. Not leaving does not mean that the situation is okay or that the victim wants to be abused.

• Leaving can be dangerous. The most dangerous time for a woman who is being abused is when she tries to leave. (United States Department of Justice, National Crime Victim Survey, 1995)