Press Information

DAIS can help reporters and other members of the media better understand the often-complicated issues behind domestic violence-related headlines. To speak with a DAIS representative and/or gather helpful information, please contact DAIS Executive Director Shannon Barry at 608-251-1237 ext. 307, or email her at shannonb@abuseintervention.org.

Resources for Reporters

• Background on DAIS and Domestic Violence
  • About DAIS / Contact Information
  • Facts: U.S. Domestic Violence
  • Facts: Dane County Domestic Violence
  • DAIS Makes a Difference
  • DAIS in the Media
  • What is DV? Am I Being Abused?
  • Definition and Types of Domestic Violence
  • Graphic: Power and Control Wheel
• Immediate Needs
  • Download the Holiday Wish List
  • Used Cell Phone Drive
  • Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (SAAV)

Facts: U.S. Domestic Violence

• 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime (National Institute of Justice, 2000).
• On average, three women in the United States are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends every day. (U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics)
• Women make up 84.3% of victims of abuse between spouses, and 86% of victims of violence between boyfriends and girlfriends. (U.S. Department of Justice of Justice)
• 3 million American children are exposed to domestic violence in their homes each year. (American Psychology Association)
• 53% of men who abuse their female partners also abuse their children (L. Walker, The Battered Woman Syndrome, 1984)
• Children exposed to domestic violence suffer low self esteem, depression, sleep difficulties, PTSD, poor impulse control, and are at a higher risk for problems in school, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual acting out, running away, fear and suicide. (Jaffe, Wolfe & Wilson, Children of Battered Women, 1990)
• Only 1/4 of all physical assaults perpetrated against women by an intimate partner are reported to law enforcement (National Institute of Justice, 2000)
• Domestic violence victims are six times more likely to be killed when separating from their abusers than at any other time. (U.S. Department of Justice, 2000)

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Facts: Dane County Domestic Violence

• Each year, approximately 1/3 of all arrests in Dane County are domestic violence-related. (Dane County District Attorney’s Office)
• As of June 23, 2009, the three most recent homicides in Fitchburg, Wis., were domestic violence-related.

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