Safe Homes

What is domestic violence?

Domestic abuse, which is also called intimate partner violence or domestic violence, is the use of controlling or hurtful actions in a couple or dating relationship. A domestic abuser, or batterer, uses physical or sexual violence, emotional hurt, and/or threats to gain control through the victim’s fear.

Domestic violence happens in every community, regardless of income level, race, age, religion, level of education, gender, or sexual orientation. You’ll find victims in every neighborhood, every workplace, and every church. Experts agree that it affects 1 in 4 families, although only 1 out of 10 cases are actually reported. It results in more medically treatable injuries than rape, accidents, and muggings combined. Nearly a third of female homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner. Society also pays a price, as the cost of domestic violence exceeds $5.8 billion each year, $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health services.

​How are children affected?

Children are silent victims of domestic violence. Even if they aren’t a direct target of an abuser’s actions, they suffer lasting emotional damage. We know that 1 in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence each year and 90 percent of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence.

Children who have lived in a home where domestic violence occurs face a long list of fears and problems. Some withdraw from the world; others lash out at those around them. The constant stress may result in chronic stomachaches or headaches, and can even compromise their immune systems. They may be forced to shoulder adult responsibilities or to tiptoe around an angry parent. Even more chilling, children in homes in which violence occurs are physically abused or neglected at a rate 1500 percent higher than the national average — and the more severely their mother is abused, the greater the severity of the abuse to the child.
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Without intervention, they’re far more likely to become victims or abusers as adults. Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults. Girls who grow up believing that abusive behavior is a normal component of love are far more likely to be victims in their own relationships.

​Facts & Figures

3.3 Million: Estimated number of children in the U.S. each year that witness violence against their mother or female caretaker by a family member.

40-60: Percentage of men who abuse women who also abuse children.

1 in 5: Number of teenage girls who said they have been in a relationship where the boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if a breakup was to occur.

90-95: Percentage of domestic violence victims who are women.

175,000: Number of workdays American employees miss each year on account of domestic violence.

​40-70: Percentage of female murder victims in the U.S. who were killed by their husbands or boyfriends, often within an ongoing abusive relationship.

How do the Notre Dame Sisters help?

Through our Safe Homes Program we provide start-up funds for people escaping domestic violence situations. We also help them rebuild their self-esteem damaged in abusive relationships, find employment and a home where they will be safe from harm. 

Since 2009 this program has helped more than 700 individuals.

What can I do to help?

Respond

We are not powerless. If you see or hear something and it feels wrong in your gut, it probably is. Always err on the side of the potential survivor. You are obligated by law to report domestic abuse. Don't be silent, call 911 to help.

Donate

You can change the lives of those affected by domestic violence when you donate to our Safe Homes Program. Your donations allow us to continue to help those escaping abuse, spread awareness and advocate for victims. Click HERE to donate online.