Intimate Partner Violence Facts

What is Intimate Partner Violence?
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is emotional, verbal, physical or sexual violence occurring between partners. IPV takes place regardless of sexual orientation, race, social status, economic status, age group or educational background. IPV is not a heterosexual phenomenon nor is it based on gender. IPV is a choice to exert power and control over one’s partner.
Is IPV Always Physical Abuse?
In IPV abusers use control, rape, power, manipulation, isolation, lies, intimidation, weapons, economic control, harassment, verbal and emotional abuse, racism, and coercive and violent actions against their partners. IPV does not necessarily leave a visible wound or bruise.
Unique Challenges That LGBTQ Individuals Face When
Experiencing IPV
• Homosexuality is a divisive issue for many families that may result in
the rejection of the family members who identify as lesbian, gay, bi- sexual or transgender. Therefore, many LGBTQ individuals find a sense of belonging with their partners that they may not experience with their own families. This sense of belonging can make it difficult to end an abusive relationship.
• Institutional biases, such as heterosexism and homophobia, may decrease access to the services or support available to LGBTQ individuals who are experiencing IPV.
• Abusers may employ homophobic rhetoric in the treatment of their partners, reinforcing shame and fear in their partners.
Statistics About Intimate Partner Violence in LGBTQ Communities
Little research has been done on LGBTQ IPV. One reason is that scholarship on the LGBTQ community is in its infancy, and much of the research that exists
concentrates on sexuality or the experience of coming out. Second, LGBTQ IPV is
under-reported because of victims’ experiences of homophobia, heterosexism and
racism.
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP), which is made up of 33 members nationwide, is one of the few organizations that gather statistics on IPV in LGBTQ relationships. NCAVP reports the following:*
Nationwide:
• IPV occurs in 1 out of 4 heterosexual relationships, and it is predicted that similar rates exist in LGBTQ relationships.
• About 34% of the reported victims of IPV were between 19 and 49 years old.
• Over 38% of the victims who reported incidences of IPV were people of color.

*All statistics reported in this document are derived from National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Domestic Violence In The United States In 2006. To view the complete report, visit www.ncavp.org.

Section 8 & VAWA - Violence Against Women Act

SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority:�VAWA

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Everyone who knows me knows that this particular cause is near and dear to my heart. Every October I usually blog something about Domestic Violence. In the past I was big on quoting statistics and encouraging my readers to support victims. This year I will focus more on providing information that will benefit the victims themselves.

So, last night I was on the SC State Housing website and I ran across the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). I learned that the housing authority cannot discriminate against Domestic Violence (DV) Victims. When I first read it, I thought, "Cool".

However, I had to read deeper to get the full details. The following sums up what I learned about how Section 8 assistance affects domestic violence, dating violence and stalking victims and abusers:

• The housing authority cannot deny rental assistance because someone is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
• A victim CANNOT be terminated or evicted based on acts or threats against them.
• You can be evicted because of actual and imminent (immediate) threats to other tenants or employees at your property if you remain in the housing.
• You cannot be evicted because of criminal domestic violent acts committed against you by a member of your home or guest of your home if you are the victim.
• A landlord is allowed to legally split the lease and evict the abuser who commits violence against family members while allowing the victims and other household members to remain in public assistance housing.
• Abusers can also have their Section 8 assistance terminated and the victim can continue to receive benefits.
• If a victim must move for safety reasons, the housing authority will allow them to keep their assistance even if their lease not up yet.

The facts listed above pertain to South Carolina state law only.  I cannot speak for other states at the moment.    However, the following links may help:

• If you are in the New York area:  http://www.nyc.gov/html/ocdv/html/services/housing.shtml
• I thought this site had some very useful information:  http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/statistics.shtml
• If you need to plan an escape I recommend The National Domestic Violence Hotline:  http://www.thehotline.org/
• State by State fact sheets can be found here:  http://www.ncadv.org/resources/FactSheets.php  Each state also lists resources to help victims.  Highly recommended if you need help and want to look for help in your area.

Recommended Reading:

• Not To People Like Us
• Women Who Love Too Much
• Daily Meditations For Women Who Love Too Much

~~Namaste~~

Stats from SisterCare

75% of women killed by their husbands were attempting to leave or getting a divorce.

A woman is six times more likely to be assaulted by her husband than by a stranger.

Approximately one half of all couples experience at least one violent incident; in one fourth of these couples, violence is a common occurrence.

25% of women who are beaten are pregnant.

Over 70% of the children whose mothers are battered are physically abused, too.

Dedicated to the 360 Development Team

First they try to pass Mash off as some "new" improved "thing" .

WhatEva!

Then they pretend to be interested in our concerns.

Then they tell us they plan to "EVOLVE" 360.

Then when I log in this morning, my GROUPS ARE GONE!!!!!

SOMETHING SMELLS FUNNY....