Posted on April 13, 2020 in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence and abuse are common crimes throughout the US. Every day, thousands of adults and children suffer domestic abuse. Domestic violence can refer to many types of offenses committed against members of the defendant’s household or someone with which the defendant has a personal, familial or romantic relationship. All 50 states track domestic violence statistics, such as the number of reports and criminal trials. This data can help state lawmakers better protect victims. As an Arizona resident, learn more about domestic violence, the resources available if you need help, and when to reach out to a Phoenix domestic violence lawyer.

Prevalence of Domestic Violence in Arizona

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence is one of the main entities that gather facts and information about domestic abuse in the state. According to the Coalition’s latest report on domestic violence, about one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lives. This equals over 804,000 women and 453,000 men in Arizona alone. In addition, one in three women and one in seven men will experience unwanted sexual touching in their lifetimes.

  • One in five women in the US has been raped in her lifetime. The same is true for 1 in 71 men, 1 in 8 lesbian women and 4 in 10 gay men. About 12% of female survivors and 28% of male survivors were raped before the age of 10.
  • About 60% of rape crimes and sexual assaults go unreported by victims in the US. As many as 97% of rapists never go to prison for their crimes.
  • In 2015, at least 107 victims lost their lives in homicides related to domestic violence in the State of Arizona.
  • In just one day, domestic violence programs in Arizona responded to 1,652 domestic violence reports.
  • Housing is the most common urgent need for victims of domestic violence in Arizona. State programs received 223 unmet housing service requests in a single day.
  • In 2018, police in Arizona arrested 3,201 individuals for alleged rape crimes. The police arrested another 18,452 for aggravated assault.
  • Women with disabilities are raped and sexually abused about twice as often as the general female population.
  • About two-thirds of all rapes in the US are committed by people the victims know, such as friends, acquaintances or family members.
  • About three-fourths of all child sexual abuse cases involve family members or people in the child’s circle of trust serving as defendants.
  • Domestic violence and sexual abuse have an enormous financial impact in the US. Annual estimates show the average cost for rape victims in the US is $127 billion – higher than the expenses for victims of any other crime.
  • The economic impact of stalking, physical assault and intimate partner rape alone equals around $8.3 billion annually.

Domestic violence, domestic abuse, sexual abuse and rape are more common than most people in Arizona realize. If you have experienced one of these crimes, you are not alone. You have rights and legal options, as well as many forms of protection available to you. These include protective orders, restraining orders and filing criminal charges against the perpetrator. If you are a loved one, it is important to recognize signs of a sexual or violent crime. Common signs may include unexplained injuries, withdrawal, isolation, mood changes, feelings of guilt or shame, and financial exploitation.

Resources for Domestic Abuse Victims in Arizona

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse in Arizona, speak out. Call the police if you are in immediate danger. In a nonemergency situation, you can also call the national hotline at 1-(800)-799-7233 for confidential advice you can trust. A representative can give you information about state and federal resources, including programs that could provide housing and/or financial assistance. A representative could guide you to an abuse shelter or culturally specific resources available to you. While reaching out for help can be difficult, it may be critical for your safety. Work toward getting to a safe place with assistance at the state or federal level.