About Domestic Abuse and Its Lasting Impact
Learn how domestic abuse impacts individuals and families, and why safety and support matter.
Understanding Domestic Abuse
At Thru The Eyes of the Community, we recognize that domestic abuse is a pattern of behavior used to gain power and control over another person. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or verbal, and often escalates over time.
National Statistics
Missouri has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the nation, ranking third for the percentage of individuals who have experienced abuse. Approximately 41.8% of Missouri women and 35.2% of Missouri men report experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime.
In the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten every 9 seconds. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. Over the course of a year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men affected nationwide.
On a typical day, more than 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines across the country.
Approximately 19% of domestic violence incidents involve a weapon, and intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime in the United States.
Women between the ages of 18 and 24 experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence.
You Deserve Support and a Way Forward
Abuse affects individuals and families across all backgrounds, leaving lasting emotional and practical impacts that require support and understanding. If you are experiencing abuse or feeling unsafe, you are not alone. Reaching out can be the first step toward safety, healing, and stability. Supportive resources are available to listen, guide, and help you understand your options, whether you need immediate assistance or long-term support.
