Weak.
Ashamed.
These are the unheard voices of domestic violence victims.
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Justice, domestic violence is one of the most chronically underreported crimes in the nation.1 Due to a variety of factors including fear, embarrassment, and financial dependency, an estimated four out of five DV instances are unaccounted for.
Furthermore, a study conducted by GfK Public Affairs & Corporate Communications and the Avon Foundation for Women found that although 60% of Americans know a victim of DV and 80% believe DV is a problem in our society, only 15% think it is a problem among their own friends and family.2
Whatever the reason, the fact of the matter is that silence sustains violence.
This October, CalVCP has produced a video PSA in hopes of increasing social awareness and educating communities about the far reaching effects of DV. Our hope is that you will view and share this video, and join us in the fight to end domestic violence.
1 U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, “Criminal Victimization,” 2003.
2 Avon Foundation for Women, “No More Study.” 2013.
