Domestic violence is a worldwide issue affecting women and men in every corner of the globe. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women will experience physical and/or sexual abuse by a partner in their lifetime. Closer to home in the United States 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
California sees higher rates than the national average with 32.9 percent of women and 27.3 percent of men experiencing intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. And while the abuse may not happen to everyone, with statistics like this you’re likely to know someone that has a firsthand understanding of how it impacts a person’s life.
Domestic Violence is what women, girls, trans and non-binary people are at highest risk of experiencing. It can take physical and emotional forms, such as: name-calling, hitting, pushing, blocking, stalking/criminal harassment, rape, sexual assault, control, and manipulation. Many forms of this abuse are against the law.
It can happen between people in romantic relationships. It can happen in families, at work, and between friends and acquaintances and strangers. It often occurs in private places between people who know each other.
Anybody can be abused, no matter their background, identity, or circumstance. But women, girls, and gender-diverse people are at high risk of domestic violence. Some are at even higher risks, due to the additional discrimination and barriers they face. This includes women with disabilities, Indigenous women, racialized women, trans and non-binary people, and women who are homeless or underhoused. People facing abuse may not have access to services that meet their needs (e.g. people in rural or remote areas).
Any woman, girl, trans or non-binary person can experience this violence. Some are at even greater risk and have less access to relevant services, including Indigenous women, Black women, 2SLGBTQIA people, young women, and women with disabilities.
Leaving an abusive relationship, reporting an assault, or seeking help after violence can be difficult and has its own risks. Those who do have to navigate a maze to get safe housing, legal help, a good job, childcare, health services, affordable counselling, and more.
At Life Under Construction we are committed to helping our clients meet their immediate and most basic needs, then work directly with them to create positive change in their lives. We believe that healthy women and healthy families lead to thriving communities.
Life Under Construction will keep its doors open to women, girls, trans or non-binary people. We understand what women need, what their families need and our exceptionally skilled team ensures all women and their families have the opportunity, the ability and the resources needed to thrive.