Community Issue Spotlight:
Facts About Domestic Violence in Ohio
CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, the only domestic violence shelter and 24-hour crisis hotline in Franklin County, serves women, children and men seeking refuge from a violent relationship. No one in crisis is ever turned away. Almost half of the shelter's population is children and a large number of clients seeking assistance are pregnant women, which is a risk factor for domestic abuse.
The organization is expecting to serve nearly 2,000 individuals in 2016, including 750 in need of shelter. The 24-hour hotline is expected to receive 4,300 calls this year.
Domestic violence is a serious issue because it cuts across all geographic, religious, socio-economic, racial, sex and age barriers - it can happen to anyone. In fact, one in three women and one in four men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
In addition to the effects on families, individuals and communities, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found that domestic violence incidents also put a strain on the medical and business communities. It is estimated that costs associated with intimate partner abuse totals $306 million annually in Ohio. Nationally, the CDC estimates the health related costs of rape, physical assault, stalking and homicide committed by intimate partners exceed $5.8 billion each year.
Abuse is a form of power and control. Abusers, some of whom also experienced violence in their past, may use physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and even economic forms of abuse to control their partner. The abuse can escalate as well. Three women in the U.S. are killed each day by their husband or boyfriend.
CHOICES is critical to stopping this cycle of abuse. They can help victims of abuse stay safe, heal and start over. If you are experiencing domestic violence, please call the 24-hour hotline at 614-224-HOME (4663).