Domestic Violence statistics show that every 9 seconds a woman is assaulted or beaten in the US. Every day, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the US. Ninety-two percent of women surveyed listed reducing domestic violence and sexual assault as their top concern.
Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family, still, based on reports from 10 countries, between 55 percent and 95 percent of women who had been physically abused by their partners had never contacted non-governmental organizations, shelters, or the police for help. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually. Men who as children witnessed their parents’ domestic violence were twice more likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent parents, study says.
“What can we do to stop this violence around the world?” asked Father Joel Almono to a gathering of women dressed in wedding gowns at the Senior Center after a Brides’ March last week in memory of Gladys Ricart, a Dominican immigrant who was murdered on her wedding day by her estranged boyfriend 13 years ago. Father Almono made a suggestion: “I think the answer is educating our children,” and suggested inviting them to the march next year. Somehow, we believe Father Almono is on the right track.
