Updated 8/3/06

U.S. Statistics on Domestic Violence:

Every 9 seconds, a woman is abused.

3 to 10 million children witness domestic violence every year.

Each year, upwards of one million incidents of domestic violence occur.

A third of Americans say they know a woman whose husband or boyfriend has physically abused her in the past year.

Domestic violence is a significant cause of homelessness.

One in five female high school students report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.

More than 3 women are murdered by their former or current husbands or boyfriends daily.

	It is estimated that domestic violence costs the national economy $8 to $10 billion each year in medical bills, lost wages and productivity, and other costs
	Battered woman are 4 to 5 times more likely than non battered women to require psychiatric treatment and 5 times more likely to attempt suicide.
	The FBI estimates that only about 10% of domestic violence is reported to the police.

Ohio Statistics on Domestic Violence:

	In 1990, 15,000 Ohio families received crisis intervention assistance from domestic violence programs; more that 50% of those served were children.
	Eighty percent of violent juvenile offenders and adult prisoners come from homes in which domestic violence occurred.
	Ninety percent of abusive or neglectful parents were abused as children.
	Seventy-three percent of Ohio male abusers were abused as children.
	At least 80% of men in Ohio's prisons grew up in a violent home.

Domestic Violence affects...

	1 out of 4 marriages.
	6,000,000 women in the U.S. each year.
	½ of all police calls.
	58 persons in Lake County daily.
	1 out of 5 women admitted to emergency rooms.

Is this you?

Are you afraid to upset a loved one because of his or her temper?

Are you afraid of leaving home because you think you can’t make it on your own?

Are you being physically hurt or controlled by a loved one?

Do you tell lies to cover for someone else’s violence?

Do you threaten-“Stop hitting or yelling at me or I’ll leave”-but you haven’t?”

Have the police been called because of violence at your house?

Do you know someone who would answer “yes” to any of these questions?

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, you are not alone. Call one of our hotline numbers, 440-953-9779 or 440-357-1018 for help and more information.

Sometimes home is not safe…

We at the Forbes House work to end the cycle of violence for families experiencing emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse.

Nationally, domestic violence is the single major cause of injury to women.

Forbes House is a shelter home for battered women and their children. It is a safe place for women who choose to leave abusive homes while working toward solutions.

What is Battering?

Battering is a lay term referring to abuse. This is legally defined as knowingly, purposefully, or recklessly attempting to cause or causing physical harm, or causing another to believe he or she would physically hurt them.

Psychological abuse involves coercion; the threat of physical harm is always present.

How can someone get help?

Call the police. Domestic violence is a crime and victims have rights under the law.

Go to the hospital. Your safety and health are important.

Either the police or the hospital can contact the shelter. Talk about what’s happening in your home.

Call the help line at 440-357-1018 or 440-953-9779 anytime day or night. Ask for the Forbes House advocate. All conversations are confidential.

If you are thinking about choosing shelter: Call the help line at 440-357-1018 or 440-953-9779. Ask for an advocate who will return your call and help you decide a course of action. No one is refused due to lack of money.

The community can help by…

	Spreading this information to women who are being hurt at home,
	Teaching children that hurting or demeaning others is not okay.
	Publicizing our phone numbers in your club newsletter or at your agency’s office.
	Having a speaker in your class or at you next group meeting.
	Planning a fund-raiser or “shelter shower”. Donations of household or personal items for the shelter are always welcome…just call for current needs, please.
	Volunteering your time at the shelter. Training for volunteers is held throughout the year.

Making tax-deductible cash donations