Domestic Violence Statistics

• Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.

• 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.

• 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.

• Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.

• Everyday in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.

• Ninety-two percent of women surveyed listed reducing domestic violence and sexual assault as their top concern.

• Domestic violence victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the US alone—the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs.

• 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.

• The costs of intimate partner violence in the US alone exceed $5.8 billion per year: $4.1 billion are for direct medical and health care services, while productivity losses account for nearly $1.8 billion.

• Men who as children witnessed their parents’ domestic violence were twice as likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent parents.

Break the Silence…Stop the Violence

According to statistics, domestic assaults are the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. In fact, one woman in the U.S. is assaulted every nine seconds. 

Every October, greater Williamson County police, prosecutors, and advocates join in the National effort to connect domestic violence victims and their children with the resources they need to “Break the Silence…Stop the Violence.” Starting today, Franklin Police are distributing purple ribbons with that very message, asking the community to fly them on their car antennas this month in support of victims. Detective Dawn Bennett is leading that charge this month in Franklin with the hopes that raising awareness might make someone’s bad situation a little better. “Relationships aren’t meant to be abusive or violent; no one should have to endure that.” In addition to distributing ribbons, Franklin Police are hosting a cell phone drive to ensure that victims have a way to call for help. Phones in good working order, but no longer in service, can be dropped off at the collection boxes in Police Headquarters on Columbia Avenue, or Fire Headquarters inside City Hall. 

On October 11 at 6 pm, the 21st Judicial District, along with the Williamson County Domestic Violence Task Force, will host a candlelight vigil on the Courthouse Steps, 135 4th Avenue South in Franklin. Victim Witness Coordinator and Task Force President Stokey Bourque hopes that victims and their supporters will unite with advocates at the event to stand up and say ‘no more.’ “We’re dedicated to victims, and to educating the community to recognize the signs. The traumatic effects of this crime can be drastically reduced when intervention begins early.” 

District Attorney General Kim Helper said, “Our office is committed to the prosecution of abusers and to helping victims rebuild their lives.” 

Break the Silence…Stop the Violence 
For shelter information, call (615) 599-5777 or visit www.bridgesdvc.org

Busted for domestic violence

Yesterday just after 4 a.m., Franklin police officers were notified of a domestic disturbance at the Goose Creek Inn, 2406 Goose Creek Bypass. In a joint effort by Alpha and Bravo shift officers, along with detectives and the Department’s Flex Unit, the suspect, 37-year-old Carlos Wall, was located later that morning. Wall, a convicted violent felon, was also found to be in the possession of a loaded 9mm pistol. The victim, who was severely beaten, was taken to an area hospital to be treated for her injuries.

Wall was arrested and charged with Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault and Violation of an Order of Protection. He remains in custody on a $760,000 bond and is due in court on 09/20/2012 at 2:00 pm.

Carlos Antoine Wall
Date of Birth: 12/4/1974
921 Locklayer Street
Nashville, TN 37208

ARE YOU A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

According to statistics, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. For local help with domestic violence, including shelter, contact the Bridges Domestic Violence Center of Franklin at (615) 599-5777.

Domestic assault in Franklin

At 12:39 a.m. Sunday, Franklin police were called to 819 Chrisman Drive for a domestic disturbance. Arriving officers located the suspect, 53-year-old Joe Ray, attempting to turn his vehicle around in the driveway. Inside, officers found a 46-year-old woman who had been beaten in the face. The woman’s tooth was knocked out during the assault. 

Ray (pictured here) was arrested and charged with Domestic Assault. He is free on a $1,500 bond and due in court 09/13/2012 at 2:00 p.m. 

According to statistics, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. For local help with domestic violence, including shelter, contact the Bridges Domestic Violence Center of Franklin (http://bridgesdvc.org) at (615) 599-5777.