Domestic Violence

Quick fact: On average, 1800 restraining orders and 80 stalking orders are issued each year.

Domestic violence is usually not a single incident and often becomes more severe and frequent over time. Besides physical violence, abusers may use emotional or verbal abuse, isolation, and threats to maintain power and control over their partners. Threats of violence, suicide, or taking away children are very common tactics used by batterers.
On average the victim returns to the abuser 8 times before they finally leave for good.
In the year on 2009, 17 victims died in Washington County. One of these victims was a 2 month old child.
Safety planning is important most assaults occur as the victim is trying to leave or has left. Have a change of clothes, cash, keys, credit cards, copies of important papers, medicine and phone numbers packed in a suitcase ready to leave. Always have a phone near to call for help.

Remember we as a community can help create change for these victims and their families.