Domestic Violence is a Public Health Crisis

By William Bentley, Associate Commissioner, Family and Youth Services Bureau

Domestic violence is a high profile issue these days, but this public health crisis is not just isolated to the lives of celebrities or athletes. While domestic violence becomes more visible when celebrities or athletes choose to use violence against their intimate partners, these are not the only faces of domestic violence. 

We know that abusers come from all socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as all races, religions and walks of life.  We must never forget that there are millions of silent victims that will never have their abuses videotaped and witnessed by society. I think it is important to note that domestic violence is not only an NFL problem; it is a widespread problem across America. One in four women and one in seven men have experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Unfortunately, when it comes to the issue of domestic violence no community is exempt, and no community can afford to turn their backs on the victims of domestic violence who need their help. 

That is why a coordinated response that reaches across the range of communities in America to address domestic violence and help victims within their local area is so essential.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is proud to be partnering with communities to identify solutions and support services addressing the traumatic impact of domestic violence. For over 30 years the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program (FVPSA), a Division of the Family and Youth Services Bureau in ACF, has supported domestic violence programs, culturally specific institutes, and specialized domestic violence resource centers across the country. Today, 2,600 program sites offer shelter and support for over 1.3 million victims of domestic violence and their children every year. 

Since its creation in 1994, the FVPSA Program has also supported the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a frontline in the nation’s response to victims of domestic violence reaching out for help. The Hotline has been a vital link to safety for women, men, children and families affected by domestic violence. With the help of dedicated advocates and staff, the hotline responds to calls 24/7, 365 days a year. Hotline advocates are ready to assist victims — and anyone calling on their behalf — by providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local service providers.  Callers to the hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) can expect highly trained advocates to provide services in English and Spanish and as well in more than 200 languages through use of the language line. 

Immediately following the release of the video showing former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his then-fiancé in an elevator, the Hotline’s call volume increased by 84 percent and has remained higher than normal with spikes happening after each new domestic violence incident is reported in the media. Like the NFL, many communities have recognized the importance of partnering with domestic violence experts who have shaped our nation’s responses to domestic violence and abuser accountability. I want to commend the NFL for announcing that they are making a long term commitment of support for the National Domestic Violence Hotline to expand their services to making sure that every call, text or chat from a victim of domestic violence can be answered. 

The national conversations about domestic violence are resulting in victims coming forward to get the help and support they need. As stated previously, these victims come from diverse backgrounds, across all races, religions and economic status. Domestic violence programs across the country report that calls for help and requests for emergency shelter are surging. Daily, domestic violence survivors explain on talk shows, in coffee shops and via social media that talking about leaving or actually leaving a violent relationship is a dangerous and difficult process that can take years (SeeTwitter hash tag #WhyIstayed). And when a survivor discloses their abuse, the response they receive can mean the difference between getting help or retreating back into silence.

We know that domestic violence coalitions, local domestic violence programs, Tribes, and culturally specific community based organizations are all an integral part of any coordinated response to domestic violence –and so are each of us. As corporations, court systems and communities struggle to balance abuser accountability and victim safety, it is critical they partner with the advocates who every day answer the crisis calls, offer emergency shelter, lead batterer intervention programs, implement culturally specific programs, and help thousands of victims and their children see that domestic violence is not their fault.

The spotlight on this painful issue creates an opportunity to foster positive change, develop stronger partnerships with advocates, and increase support for survivors living in silence. By working together we can create safer trauma-informed responses to victims while pursuing abuser accountability. No matter our professional or personal position in society, we all have contributions that can be made to addressing domestic violence and preventing future violence.

If you would like more information on how you can support a friend or co-worker affected by domestic violence, read Love is Respect's Dating Basics and go to TheHotline.org for information about domestic violence, safety planning, and local resources.