Over the last minute, 20 people in the U.S. were physically abused by an intimate partner.
No matter your age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, domestic violence does not discriminate. Many abuse victims keep their abuse hidden out of fear, shame, or embarrassment. They may not seek medical treatment or leave the abusive relationship.
The impacts of violence ripple beyond the individual victim, affecting family, friends, and the community. By shining a light on the depth of the problem, Domestic Violence Awareness Month hopes to unify the community to end domestic abuse.
Our team at Hedman Family Law, L.L.C. endeavors to be part of the solution. Local, state, and federal organizations and resources aim to bring the issue out of the dark, to help those who are suffering.
The Far-Reaching Impacts of Domestic Violence
The consequences of domestic violence are initially felt in the household. In Multnomah County, about 21,000 children are exposed to domestic violence annually. Children living in a home where a parent is abused are more likely to be physically or sexually abused, too.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 90% of children are eyewitnesses to the abuse.
Abusive intimate relationships also have an economic impact:
- Intimate partner violence causes a loss of 8 million days of paid work each year.
- The cost of domestic violence exceeds $8.3 billion annually.
- Up to 60% of abused partners lose their jobs from issues stemming from the abuse.
- More than 140 women were murdered in their workplace by their abusers between 2003 and 2008. During that timeframe, abusers were the perpetrator in 78% of all women killed at work.
Men and Women Experience Domestic Violence
Some might think that men are rarely subjected to intimate partner violence. The statistics say otherwise. Women do experience abuse at a higher rate, but abuse against men is not an anomaly. In the United States, one in four (25%) men have endured some form of physical violence, and 10% have been severely abused.
In comparison, one in three women experiences physical violence by an intimate partner, and 25% are subjected to severe abuse. Multnomah County reports that 40% of abused women in the county are severely abused.
Oregon’s County-Level Statics for Domestic Violence
Domestic abuse is not something that happens only in another community or state. The violence is in your neighborhood, possibly inside your own home.
Between Clackamas and Multnomah counties, law enforcement responded to 2,362 domestic violence incidents in 2021 and made 871 arrests, including 4 for rape and 137 for aggravated assault. Statewide, offers arrested nearly 8,000 people, including 9 for homicide.
If you or someone you know is endangered by abuse, there are people, programs, and laws that can support and protect those in harm’s way.
Support to Break the Cycle of Abuse
Anyone living with domestic violence deserves a life free of abuse and intimidation. Home should be a place of refuge, not attacks. National, statewide, and county resources are available for immediate help and ongoing support.
Dial 911 if you are in an emergency.
Domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking assistance can be reached 24/7:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (English and Spanish): 800-799-7233
- Proyecto UNICA (Spanish): (503) 232-448 or toll-free at 888-232-4448
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
- Portland Women Crisis Line: (503) 235-5333 or toll-free at 888-235-5333
Emergency shelters in Multnomah County include the following:
Transitional housing, safety planning, and other services can be found at these Multnomah County organizations:
- Call to Safety
- El Programa Hispano Católico
- Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services
- Self Enhancement, Inc. – Domestic Violence Program
Emergency shelters in Clackamas County include the following:
Safety planning, referrals, and other support can be found at the Clackamas County organizations:
Legal Support for Anyone Targeted by Domestic Violence
When you are in immediate danger, call law enforcement. The officer will arrest an aggressor if they believe an assault (or fear of physical injury) has occurred.
Our compassionate lawyers at Hedman Family Law, L.L.C. can play an integral role in protecting you in the aftermath of an arrest or as part of a planned strategy to extricate you from an abusive situation.
Using the Family Abuse Protection Act, we can file for a restraining order to keep the abuser away from you and those you care about, including pets. We are experienced in making a compelling case for the RO to the court. Our team also is skilled in fighting for child custody, child support, and spousal support.
We are here to help prevent any further harm and connect you with ongoing support services.
Plan your legal steps to stop the abuse by contacting Hedman Family Law, L.L.C. Schedule your consultation by calling (503) 506-7887.