Ellen Davies Loyola University Chicago PROJECT GOALS Find national, state, and city-wide statistics on Domestic Violence, including victim demographics, prevalence, and reporting statistics Composite demographic statistics from the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic client database Compare national, state, and city-wide statistics on Domestic Violence to the client demographics at DVLC Find any discrepancies in comparisons Create a graph or report on findings Present findings to supervisor and the clinic attorneys TYPES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Common Couple Violence/ Situational Couple Violence Not connected to general pattern of violence and control Not likely to escalate over time More situational Intimate Terrorism Partner uses violence and other tactics to gain control over victim Escalates over time and is more ongoing Violent Resistance Violence engaged mostly by women Motivated by self protection Mutual Violent Control Both partners are controlling and violent This form of DV is rare Reference: Johnson, M. P., & Ferraro, K. J. (2000). Research on domestic violence in the 1990s: Making distinctions. Journal of Marriage and Family, 62(4), 948-963. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CYCLE Cycle of abuse Tension Building Perpetrator shows more aggression, abuse starts Violence Abuse begins (physical, sexual, verbal, etc.) Honeymoon Period Perpetrator apologizes to victim, buys gifts, promises to never do it again, attempts to lessen the impact of abuse Reference: Walker, L. E. (1979). The battered woman. VICTIM CHARACTERISTICS Younger Less Educated Lower Income and SES Minorities Rerence: Elliott, D. M., Mok, D. S., & Briere, J. (2004). Adult sexual assault: Prevalence, symptomatology, and sex differences in the general population. Journal of traumatic stress, 17(3), 203-211. NATIONAL STATISTICS Every 9 seconds a woman is assaulted or beaten in the US 20 people are abused by an intimate partner ever minute 1 in 3 women have been physically abused by an intimate partner Most common among women between 18-24 1 in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence Majority of physical abuse occurs in dating relationships 76% of victims are female; 24% of victims are male Reference: http://ncadv.org/learn-more/statistics; http://ncadv.org/files/Domestic%20Violence%20and%20Physical%20Abuse% 20NCADV.pdf ILLINOIS/CHICAGO STATISTICS Illinois In 2014, 65,800 intimate violence incidents were reported to law enforcement July 2008 49% White 29% Black 41% Single 42% Married 37% Full-time employment 59% High School Graduate or less Reference: http://www.icjia.state.il.us/assets/pdf/AtAGlance/INFONET%20July%202008.p df DVLC STATISTICS COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS DVLC Statistics do not match that Illinois/Chicago Statistics Compared to Psychological research and studies Match some of the characteristics of abuse victims DISCLAIMER!!! Trends are based on Reporting Data Data is not always an accurate representation DVLC does not have complete control over the clients that are referred FURTHER IMPLICATIONS The data and comparative analysis of statistics will help DVLC Providing information to donors Identifying communities in need of outreach Connecting with other NGOs Providing resources to victims of domestic violence SUGGESTION Due to the lack of specific statistics and demographics surrounding victims of domestic violence (specifically in regards to Chicago), the DVLC could advocate for more data. Connecting to other organizations, requesting statistics/demographics DV shelters DV Hotlines DV advocate centers Local/community centers THANK YOU!