Tag Archive for: sexual abuse

Domestic violence and sexual assault study released

Wisconsin residents may wish to know that a study conducted by GfK Public Affairs and Corporate Communications shows overwhelming statistics related to sexual assault and domestic violence issues in the United States. The report was funded by the Avon Foundation for Women in an attempt to find the true numbers of Americans suffering from abuse. The study, titled “No More,” compiled hundreds of survey results from both teens and adults to determine the approximate number of sexual abuse and domestic assault victims.

More than 300 teens and 1,000 adults were surveyed for the study. Twenty-two percent of those who were surveyed reported that they had suffered from domestic violence, while 13 percent announced that they were a victim of sexual assault. The study also announced that 57 percent of Americans who know a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence have not reported the incidents to the police or discussed it with friends and family.

The survey targeted both men and women who have survived these violent acts and others who have learned of friends being victims. Researchers and the Avon Foundation for Women have published the survey with the hope that more victims and their loved ones will come forward to report domestic violence and sexual assault. The foundation is planning on launching a program for workplaces to educate their employees and spread awareness of the issues.

Domestic violence and sexual assault accusations can severely impact divorce and child custody cases. Those who have been wrongly accused of such actions could face extreme losses at the conclusion of their cases, such as the loss of their children or unfair alimony payments. An attorney may be able to conduct a thorough investigation and possibly uncover the whole truth to ensure that a fair outcome is achieved for all parties involved.

Source: CBS News, “Study finds sexual and domestic violence widespread, largely undiscussed“, Alexander Trowbridge, September 23, 2013

Wisconsin students look to end domestic violence

Several students from the University of Wisconsin-Stout have been spending part of their fall semester traveling through parts of the state in order to discuss domestic violence. The students in a family relations class are acting in coordination with a national campaign called No More that aims to end instances of sexual assault and violence by increasing public awareness and encouraging dialogue.

The students used role-playing and videos to present information to three schools, a jail and an ex-offender facility, with a main part of their message indicating that men can be a part of the solution. Another group of students worked on the recent Hope for the Holidays concert that benefits a domestic violence agency called Bridge to Hope.

Statistics gathered by No More indicates that one in four women and one in six men will suffer some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. Approximately 33 percent of teenagers are physically or sexually abused or threatened by their boyfriend or girlfriend, and 25 percent of women are affected by domestic violence from their spouses or partners.

Due to the high numbers regarding the occurrence of domestic assault, most law enforcement personnel take allegations of domestic abuse incredibly seriously as these incidents can often result in serious injury or death. The data referenced above shows how serious and pervasive a problem violence involving family members and loved ones has become. A Wisconsin attorney may be able to provide counsel to a client that has been a victim of domestic violence by helping to obtain restraining or other protective orders.

Source: The Dunn County News, “Students say ‘No More’ to domestic violence, sexual assault“, November 26, 2013

Behaviors constituting domestic violence

Some Wisconsin residents might not be certain what specific acts qualify as domestic violence. Above all, it is important to remember that domestic violence encapsulates more than just physical violence and is not exclusive to spouses or romantic partners. Domestic violence may and oftentimes does include children, parents, siblings and even roommates.

In many instances, both the victims and the perpetrators of domestic violence may not recognize it for what it is. Domestic violence can be emotional abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse or even economic abuse, in which the victim’s access to funds is manipulated by the perpetrator.

Psychological abuse is another form of domestic violence in which an individual incites fear in another person, typically with threats, isolation and intimidation. Stalking and cyberstalking are also behaviors consistent with someone prone to committing domestic violence.

Furthermore, domestic violence may become an issue in a divorce case, affecting the final resolution of matters such as child custody. Spouses seeking divorce who have been a victim of domestic violence might wish to take additional step to protect themselves. They may wish to limit contact with their abusive spouse as well as limiting the contact that spouse has with their children. If the other spouse has injured the family pets, destroyed some of the family’s belongings and threatened the rest of the family, those actions might be considered domestic violence and reported to authorities accordingly. Abused individuals can obtain restraining orders as a means of protection against their abuser. In any case, it is important for victims of domestic abuse to seek out the counsel of an attorney, who may help ensure the victim’s rights remain intact and advise additional measures for safety.

Source: Findlaw, “What is Domestic Violence?“, November 19, 2014