Domestic violence is pervasive in our society. It is estimated that approximately 2.3 million people each year in the United States are raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend.
Young people experience abuse in their relationships at a higher rate than any other age group. In fact, the U.S. Department of Justice consistently finds that girls and women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence. Other studies of the teen population find that one in five high school girls is physically or sexually hurt by a dating partner and as many as one-third of teens experience some kind of abuse in their romantic relationships, including verbal and emotional abuse.
By learning more about these issues, you are joining Break the Cycle in the important effort to end domestic violence. Whether you are concerned for yourself, or for someone you care about, or just want more information, Break the Cycle can help.
©1998-2006 Break the Cycle. All Rights Reserved.