Abuse in Our Midst
Domestic violence has tragic consequences for our families, friends, workplaces and communities. The first step to ridding our community of domestic abuse is for the real toll to be visible. Far too many Texans know someone who is a victim of domestic violence. Understanding that this is community issue – not just a personal or family issue – is necessary if we are to help survivors find safety, receive justice and create opportunities for them to live the violence-free lives they deserve.
In Greater Houston
- In 2009, the Houston Police Department alone tallied 27,214 reported incidents of domestic violence.
- The most recent year for which complete area- and state-wide data is available is 2009. Law-enforcement agencies in Harris County received 41,506 reports of domestic violence.
- Since only a small fraction of family violence is ever reported to law enforcement, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission estimates that some 250,000 area residents to be victims of domestic abuse.
In Texas
- Reported Violence
- 196,713 reported Family Violence Incidents in 2009
- 142* women killed by their intimate partner in 2010
- Source: Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Council on Family Violence.
- Seeking Help & Protection
- 12,356 Adults received shelter from their abusive relationships
- 16,968 children received shelter
- Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
The Ultimate Tragedy
Each year, the Texas Council on Family Violence compiles a list of the women killed by their male intimate partners in Texas. TCFV collects the victim's personal stories from newspapers and other sources so each story can be told.
Click on the links below to read more:
Attitudes About Abuse
In 2002, The Texas Council on Family Violence conducted a statewide polling on prevalence and attitudes on domestic violence. Below are some of the findings.
- The Scope of the Problem:
- 74% of all Texans have either themselves, a family member and/or a friend have experienced some form of domestic violence.
- 47% of all Texans report having personally experienced at least one form of domestic violence, either severe, verbal and/or forced isolation from friends and family at some point in their lifetime.
- 31% of all Texans report that they have been severely abused at some point in their lifetime. Women report severe abuse at a higher rate than men.
- 75% of all Texans report that they would be likely to call the police if they were to experience some form of domestic violence. Yet only 20% indicated that they actually did call the police when they or a family member experienced domestic violence.
- Being Part of the Solution:
- 73% of all Texans believe that domestic violence is a serious problem in Texas.
- 84% percent of all Texans report that they believe they can personally do something about domestic violence.
78% of all Texans said they would be more likely to vote for a political candidate who helped victims of domestic violence.
- The vast majority (84 percent) of Texans believe that they can make a difference in efforts to end domestic violence.
- Already, many Texans are taking action to make that difference. More than half of all Texans report having donated time, money or goods to a local domestic violence program. Additionally, more than three-quarters of all Texans showed a willingness to vote for a candidate who has expressed an interest in helping victims of domestic violence.
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