Men Murder Women

In a new study titled "When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2006 Homicide Date" by The Violence Policy Center and released on September 29, 2008, statistics reveal horrifyingly high numbers of women murdered by intimate partners. In fact, women were 12x more likely to be killed by a man they knew than a male stranger. Furthermore, the study reports that "Compared to a black man, a black woman is far more likely to be killed by her spouse, an intimate acquaintance, or a family member than by a stranger."

Nevada ranks the #1 State where women are murdered by men they know for the second year in a row.

Men Murder Women

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence can look like many different things. It can also include types of sexual assault. There is also a new term called "Intimate Partner Violence" (IPV) which refers to abuse between two people in a close relationship, including past and present partners. No matter what someone's gender, sexual orientation, race or class ANYONE can be a victim of domestic violence. The power and control wheel (this one posted on The Riley Center website) illustrates some of the behaviors that are abuse:

Sometimes people do not even realize that what is happening to them is considered domestic violence and that they have a legal and human right to protection. Here is one story from a man who was beaten by his wife:

"I'm your basic middle class male who was raised to respect women and never hit them. I consider myself a good provider and who has had some success after my hard work has paid off with my authoring 2 best selling books and having sold a self-started company. I work hard and am a decent man. I am also one of those in total disbelief this would ever happen to me.

I hate the term battered man, I'm a DV survivor. And I can say the system (judicial, police, legal, local and state government agencies) does virtually nothing to help a man survive when they're on the receiving end of a female sociopath's attacks. In fact, the system has, in some ways, injured me more than my ex wife ever could.

My wife slapped me hard after I said no to her wanting to get donor sperm in order to get pregnant. Keep in mind her fertility doctor said there were NO physical problems with either of us to prevent her from getting pregnant. Keep in mind we'd only been trying for 4 months, but she felt entitled and was willing to beat anyone down who got in the way. . ."

You can read the rest here, as well as other stories from survivors.

What is Domestic Violence?

The new loveisrespect ads

Check out the new video by loveisrespect, the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. We think these are great not only because they advertise the services at loveisrespect but also because they educate people about abuse.

The new loveisrespect ads

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Thanks to Jewish Women International you can read personal stories from victims of domestic violence every day throughout October by clicking on this image below.

Domestic Violence is a serious problem in this country. Help stop domestic violence by educating yourself and those around you. During the month of October, will post more about things you can do to help. You are already helping by being aware of the problem! Thanks for staying connected through WomensLaw.org Reports.

You can also check out The Voices and Faces Project, a national documentary project which provides a place for sexual assault survivors to connect, while also raising public awareness to a very important issue.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Men Can Help Stop Domestic Violence

Jackson Katz is an advocate, educator and filmmaker working to help stop domestic violence. We love his website www.JacksonKatz.com, where you can read 10 Things Men Can Do to Prevent Gender Violence.

We also think this video trailer for Generation M: Misogyny in Media and Culture by Dr. Thomas Keith, gives a great depiction of how the media influences gender relations and contributes to domestic violence.

Men Can Help Stop Domestic Violence

Spot Light On: Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

The Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) is a network of 21 statewide programs providing shelter, legal advocacy, counseling and crisis assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1977.

Some stats about Alaska taken from a Public Opinion Survey conducted by Hellenthal and Assoc., 2006.

• Alaska rates as the number one state in America for sexual assault and murders of women by their abusers
• Almost 75% of people in Alaska have or know someone who has experienced domestic violence
• 73.1% of Alaskans can name their local domestic violence resource

For more facts and stats about Alaska, you can also read this study published by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Spot Light On: Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Sexual Coercion and Violence: A New Study by The Family Violence Prevention Fund

In a report released yesterday by Child Trends through The Family Violence Prevention Fund, reports that approximately "18 percent of women age 18 to 24 report having experienced forced sexual intercourse at least once in their lives." Besides bringing to light the shocking numbers of young women who are being coerced into sex, the report discusses what implications this has for reproductive health, such as forced pregnancy, HIV, and infertility. Read the study here.

The FVPF's new initiative, called kNOw More is designed to explore the consequences of sexual coercion. You can read more about them at KnowMoreSayMore.com.

The study shares stories from real women about how sexual coercion affected there lives, and how it was entwined with emotional and physical abuse in their relationships. One woman's horrific story is here:

Jessica says: “I became pregnant less than four months into dating him. He refused to give me funds to purchase birth control, and always refused to use condoms after we became exclusive… I had minimal options. When we decided to continue the pregnancy and marry, the overt abuse started within days of our wedding; it continued throughout the marriage. He was verbally, emotionally, financially, sexually, and physically abusive to me. He would videotape me during vulnerable moments, after abusing me verbally to the point where I was in hysterics, or try to video tape us against my wishes while having sex. He would always refuse my attempts at birth control.”

This is a really important issue to take notice of. Look for more posts at WomensLaw.org reports on the intersection of domestic violence and reproductive health.

Sexual Coercion and Violence: A New Study by The Family Violence Prevention Fund

Nearly Half of the Murders of Women in NYC are a Result of Domestic Violence

Since the presidential race has been taking up most of the media air waves, there has been less coverage on domestic violence issues than usual. However, Gothamist just posted a review of the Health Department's report about domestic violence in NYC between 2003 and 2005. Among many alarming facts, the message is clear: Domestic violence is a huge problem within this society and it needs more attention. Read the Gothamist review here or see the actual PDF here.

Nearly Half of the Murders of Women in NYC are a Result of Domestic Violence