Did you know, one of the most insidious truths about domestic violence is that it's easy to ignore if it's not visible? Unfortunately, there are types of abuse that are not as apparent on the surface. This iceberg graphic from NCADV.org illustrates the shocking depths of abuse that are often overlooked.

Did you know, 48.4% of women in the US have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime? That's almost half of all women in America! 1 in 4 women has experienced some form of IPV. What exactly is IPV? Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. In the US, an average of twenty people experiences IPV every minute. Abuse can include financial abuse, emotional abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, willful intimidation, and other forms of control.

Did you know, while COVID-19 lockdowns may have decreased the spread of a deadly virus, they appear to have created an ideal environment for increased domestic violence and adverse childhood experiences, with 27% of children witnessing their mother being abused? Domestic violence is an epidemic that knows no boundaries and does not discriminate based on religion, race, or gender.

One common risk factor of domestic violence is income level. Therefore, abusers will often try to keep their victims isolated and dependent upon them to maintain control. Another risk factor is that women with less education experience domestic violence more than women who have achieved a higher level of education. Typically, those with higher levels of education have increased opportunities for social advancement and increased income.

You can change a survivor's life by donating to Helping Hand's Skills Development or Education Support Programs. We offer higher education scholarships plus skills advancement opportunities to many beneficiaries who may be survivors of domestic abuse. Our programs promote entrepreneurship and encourage the psychological well-being of our beneficiaries.

The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime. Help break the cycle. Spread awareness for education and career training. Offer survivors a helping hand.