Historical information about domestic violence
- Historically speaking, English Common Law man and wife were united. They were one. If a wife ran up debts, or did some other type of crime, it was acceptable to punish her. This punishment could include
- Many cultures believe that it is a private matter to be settled at home, the United States felt this way until the 1970s.
- The first women's abuse shelter opened in 1974.
- Men will serve less time in prison if he murders his wife (on average 5-6 years) as opposed to women who murder their husbands (on average 10-12 years).
Domestic violence today
- In 2005, nearly 400,000 women and 80,000 men had been victims of domestic violence. This figure makes up 9% of all violent crimes.
- When it comes to family violence, 73 percent of victims are women. 84% are being victimized from their spouses, and 86% are being abused by their boyfriends.
- Studies have found that women living in poorer neighborhoods are twice as likely to experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
- New laws have been put in place to help domestic violence victims.