DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

LEGAL CLINIC PROJECT

Ellen Davies
Loyola University Chicago
 PROJECT GOALS
Find national, state, and city-wide statistics on Domestic Violence, including
victim demographics, prevalence, and reporting statistics
Composite demographic statistics from the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
client database
Compare national, state, and city-wide statistics on Domestic Violence to
the client demographics at DVLC
Find any discrepancies in comparisons
Create a graph or report on findings
Present findings to supervisor and the clinic attorneys
 TYPES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Common Couple Violence/ Situational Couple Violence
Not connected to general pattern of violence and control
Not likely to escalate over time
More situational
Intimate Terrorism
Partner uses violence and other tactics to gain control over victim
Escalates over time and is more ongoing
Violent Resistance
Violence engaged mostly by women
Motivated by self protection
Mutual Violent Control
Both partners are controlling and violent
This form of DV is rare
Reference: Johnson, M. P., & Ferraro, K. J. (2000). Research on domestic violence in the
1990s: Making distinctions. Journal of Marriage and Family, 62(4), 948-963.
DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE CYCLE
Cycle of abuse
Tension Building
Perpetrator shows more
aggression, abuse starts
Violence
Abuse begins (physical,
sexual, verbal, etc.)
Honeymoon Period
Perpetrator apologizes to
victim, buys gifts, promises
to never do it again,
attempts to lessen the
impact of abuse
Reference: Walker, L. E. (1979). The
battered woman.
 VICTIM CHARACTERISTICS
Younger
Less Educated
Lower Income and SES
Minorities
Rerence: Elliott, D. M., Mok, D. S., & Briere, J. (2004). Adult sexual assault:
Prevalence, symptomatology, and sex differences in the general
population. Journal of traumatic stress, 17(3), 203-211.
 NATIONAL STATISTICS
Every 9 seconds a woman is assaulted or beaten in the US
20 people are abused by an intimate partner ever minute
1 in 3 women have been physically abused by an intimate partner
Most common among women between 18-24
1 in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence
Majority of physical abuse occurs in dating relationships
76% of victims are female; 24% of victims are male
Reference: http://ncadv.org/learn-more/statistics;
http://ncadv.org/files/Domestic%20Violence%20and%20Physical%20Abuse%
20NCADV.pdf
 ILLINOIS/CHICAGO STATISTICS
Illinois
In 2014, 65,800 intimate violence incidents were reported to law enforcement
July 2008
49% White
29% Black
41% Single
42% Married
37% Full-time employment
59% High School Graduate or less
Reference:
http://www.icjia.state.il.us/assets/pdf/AtAGlance/INFONET%20July%202008.p
df
DVLC STATISTICS
 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
DVLC Statistics do not match that Illinois/Chicago Statistics
Compared to Psychological research and studies
Match some of the characteristics of abuse victims
DISCLAIMER!!!
Trends are based on Reporting Data
Data is not always an accurate representation
DVLC does not have complete control over the clients that are referred
 FURTHER IMPLICATIONS
The data and comparative analysis of statistics will help
DVLC
Providing information to donors
Identifying communities in need of outreach
Connecting with other NGOs
Providing resources to victims of domestic violence
 SUGGESTION
Due to the lack of specific statistics and demographics surrounding victims of
domestic violence (specifically in regards to Chicago), the DVLC could
advocate for more data.
Connecting to other organizations, requesting statistics/demographics
DV shelters
DV Hotlines
DV advocate centers
Local/community centers
THANK YOU!

ANY QUESTIONS?