Domestic Violence in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, a woman is murdered every 9 days as a result of domestic violence. On average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in this country every day. A study conducted by Jane Doe, Inc. found that there have been approximately 27 incidents of domestic violence related homicides in Massachusetts from January to August 2007, 17 of which were female victims and 3 were children. Although domestic violence can affect men as well, women are 5 to 8 times more likely to be the victim of domestic violence than men.

Jane Doe, Inc. has expanded the definition of domestic violence to include violence perpetrated against a current or former intimate or dating partner, violence against teens or adults who have a child with the perpetrator, violence within a relationship based on power and control or jealousy, violence perpetrated against any family member and any violence perpetrated against an innocent bystander trying to help a victim.

Who’s at Risk?
Two of the most likely targets of domestic abuse and violence in the last ten to fifteen years are pregnant women and new mothers. A total of 1,367 pregnant women and new mothers have been killed since 1990 across the country. In a study of 724 adolescent mothers between the ages of 12-18, one of every eight pregnant adolescents reported having been physically assaulted by the father of her baby during the preceding 12 months. Of these, 40 percent also reported experiencing violence at the hands of a family member or relative. Domestic violence affects women of any age and teens are no exception. Dating violence is one of the most common forms of domestic violence. Approximately one in five female public high school students in Massachusetts reported to have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from dating partners. Minority women have a higher risk of being a victim of violence, particularly sexual violence, compared to white women. Studies have shown that economic and social factors can significantly effect how women internalize violent incidents and their ability to seek help.

Now What?
Between 2002 and 2003 over 3,900 women and their families sought shelter and support as the result of domestic violence. Many battered women become homeless if and when they find the courage to leave their abuser or if they have been kicked out by their abuser. Ninety-two percent of homeless women have experienced severe physical and/or sexual assault at some point in their lives. In a 1998 study, 22 percent of 777 individuals surveyed stated that they had fled their home because of domestic violence. Victims and survivors of domestic violence have trouble finding apartments because they may have poor credit, rental, and employment histories as a result of their abuse. Requests for emergency shelter by homeless families with children continue to increase in the U.S. each year.

The Crittenton Women’s Union Horizons program was the first of its kind in New England to provide housing and support for battered women and their children. There are now 18 units of space available to women and their families escaping abuse. Horizons can only do so much and there are so many more women suffering from abuse in Massachusetts that need help. There need to be even more programs like Horizons, not only to provide a safe haven for these women, but also to help them realize their independence and potential and create a life for themselves and their families. But first and foremost, women need to realize and understand the risks posed to them and need to be aware of the prevalence of domestic violence. We need to learn how to protect ourselves and where to get help if necessary. Awareness is so important, not to create fear, but to empower women to be prepared and capable to make a change for themselves and their families.

Alicia Stokes
Advocacy Intern, CWU

Comments

[Marc A]

It is not true that "women are 5 to 8 times more likely to be the victim of domestic violence than men."

Harvard Medical School just announced a study showing half of heterosexual domestic violence is reciprocal and women initiate most reciprocal and non-reciprocal violence.

Men are less likely to report it, which makes crime data unreliable; but sociological research consistently shows women initiate domestic violence at least as often as men and that men suffer one-third of injuries, as Cal State University Professor Martin Fiebert shows in his online bibliography. Just search Martin Fiebert.