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Statistics
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Violence within the family has probably always
been with us, but not until recently have statistics emerged which
have illuminated the widespread gravity of the problem.
- An estimated 4 million American women are battered each year by
their husbands or partners.
- Over 1 million women in the United States seek medical assistance
each year for injuries sustained from their husbands or partners.
- Battering is the leading cause of injuries to women ages 15-44,
accounting for nearly three times as many emergency room visits as
car crashes.
- Only 1 in every 100 domestic assaults ever result in an arrest
of the abuser.
- Estimates suggest that society spend $5 to $10 Billion a year on
health care, criminal justice and other social costs of domestic
violence.
- When a victim of spousal violence pursues civil action against
the abuser, national jury verdict research shows compensatory and
punitive damage awards ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.
- Currently, Arizona and national domestic violence
service providers report that victim demand for legal representation
far exceeds their availability. "There are just not enough free
legal resources for the people who cannot afford them, particularly
victims of domestic violence."
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The Cost of Child Molestation
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Although the true emotional cost in a child's life
for being sexually molested will never be calculable, the known effect
to society is overwhelming.
The majority of all forcible sexual assaults nationally - are to children under
the age of fourteen.
It is estimated that tens of thousands of children are sexually molested each
year, usually by a family member or acquaintance. Actual statistics are difficult
to verify and are believed to be grossly under reported.
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Only 4 in every 100 violent
sexual assaulters will be arrested, prosecuted, and found guilty
of any offense.
It is estimated that less than one percent of violent sexual
assault victims have collected damages from the criminal assailant.
Many children appear to emotionally improve after countering
the feeling of being "powerless" when
their abuser is formally held accountable in court.
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Violence within the family has probably always been with us, but not until