What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior committed by a current or former intimate partner against one another or within a family. There is a large range of domestic violence signs and forms, including physical abuse, as well as emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse. These different types often overlap or merge in many cases of domestic violence.
Domestic violence can affect relationships and families of any race, background, or economic class.
How does Domestic Violence relate to our Mission?
Domestic violence has historically occurred in statistically significant different rates between female and male victims, and while the awareness and acknowledgement of male domestic violence survivors are important, it’s also important to address the uneven rates of domestic violence victims between males and females.
Studies have shown that women are 2.5 times more likely to have experienced domestic violence in current or past relationships when compared to men. It’s also important to know that women are also 4 times more likely to require medical care after an instance of domestic violence.
The CDC has also reported as recently as 2017 that higher rates of domestic violence tend to occur among self-indentified Hispanic, Black, American Native, or multiracial populations compared to those who identify as Non-Hispanic White.
This disparity between not only women and men but also between minority populations compared to white populations tends to lead to disparities in the care recieved from hospital staff, support from outside sources, as well as access to the resources required.
The Women’s Health Equity Initiative aims to work with the Charlotte Mecklenburg community as well as extended communities to address these inequalities and move forward to raise awareness and support victims of domestic violence.
Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence:
If you are in a position where you need support for domestic violence, whether occurring in the past or present, use the following National Hotlines for 24/7 support. Both are open 24/7 to all US states and territories and while delays might be experienced due to busy traffic, once connected they’ll provide support, resources, and aid where necessary.
If this threat is imminent and direct, use 9-1-1 to directly report the crime and receive aid immediately.
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
- CALL: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
- TEXT: Text “START” to 88788
National Center for Victims of Crime:
- CALL: 855-4-VICTIM ([4]84-2846)
Center for Prevention of Abuse Hotline:
- CALL: (800) 656-4673
NC Department of Justice Address Confidentiality Program:
- CALL: (919) 716-6785
- EMAIL: acp@ncdoj.gov
WHEI’s Future Projects
The Women’s Health Equity Institute has been working to map out resources for domestic violence victims around the Charlotte Mecklenburg area and surrounding counties. With a recent focus on housing and counseling aid, these resources can be used for victims looking to get out of bad situations as well as survivors of domestic violence seeking support. The following link shows resources that may be of help to victims of domestic violence:
PLACE HOLDER FOR RESOURCE MAPPING
If you have experienced domestic violence or know someone who has experienced domestic violence and feel a lack of resources in a specific geographic area or for a specific community, use the following form to express your concerns. Our team will work to take this feedback and push for change and awareness when possible!