Abusive relationship statistics is an area needing much more attention in order for us to get an accurate picture of the reality of the situation.
Whenever statistics are mentioned this is usually referring to the narrow end of the spectrum. It only refers to physical abuse, and only what is known. It does not include mentally abusive relationships or emotionally abusive relationships.
The abusive relationship statistics that are mentioned are not a true reflection of the widespread nature of the problem.
The issue is so hidden, and in spite of any advances that have been made, there is so much that is still not known, because we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.
Combined with this is the reluctance by many of those who are in abusive relationships, to disclose what is happening to them for various reasons.
These reasons are part of the abusive relationship statistics that are not included in the reports we get. They don’t disclose, because they are too scared or embarrassed etc.
This leads to the absurd situation where we have the paradox or contradiction, that indicates the statistics are less than the reality, as these figures obviously, are not included.
Before proceeding, it is important to mention, that these days there is a suggestion that abuse is just as likely to be perpetrated by women as by men.
My response to this is – poppycock! That is nonsense! It is such a red herring and distracts us from the true reality of abusive relationship statistics.
Some women are abusive in relationships, but there is no comparison. This is overwhelmingly a one sided problem, and the statistics we do know about abusive relationships, that I will be referring to as I proceed, are a clear indication of this reality.
From statistics we do know, throughout the world:
at least 1 in 3 women is beaten
coerced into having sex
or otherwise abused at some stage during their lives.
Other abusive relationship statistics we do know indicate that domestic violence is still the single biggest threat of injury to women
More than:
heart attacks
cancer
strokes
car accidents
muggings
and rapes combined
Statistics tell us the most dangerous place for a woman to be is in her own home, not some dark lane, squalid neighborhood, or isolated parking area.
Throughout the world, billions of dollars are spent on safeguarding us from the threat of terrorism.
Abusive relationship statistics clearly demonstrate, that terrorism within the home, is a reality of gigantic proportions, and in comparison, next to nothing is being spent on doing anything about it.
Other statistics are, that in the United States, 3 women are killed every day by a husband, boyfriend or cohabiting partner in abusive relationships.
In Australia, where I live, one woman is killed every five days. Here, in the past week or so, a man killed himself and his three children. Another killed his wife, and another man killed his wife and two grandchildren, and attempted to kill his daughter, who happens to be a police officer.
Another statistic is that throughout the world around 5,000 women and girls are killed each year in so-called ‘honor killings’. They are killed by their own families, usually the father, for supposedly bringing dishonor to the family, often after they have been raped by another relative.
The abusive relationship statistics that are usually not included in any statistics we hear about, are all the other types of abuse that occur in relationships.
This includes:
a range of threats
breaking things
slamming doors excessively
throwing objects
overturning tables etc., etc. Remember Cal in Titanic
It also includes all types of:
verbal
mental
emotional
and psychological abuse
as well as a range of controlling and dominating behavior
Many women are subject to having their whereabouts monitored and limited all the time. They are restricted in the contact they have with relatives and friends. It is often not recognized this is part of an abusive relationship.
All these are figures that are not contained in abusive relationship statistics. This means we never find out about the full extent of the problem.
Leo Ryan is a counselor with over twenty years experience in the field dealing primarily with relationships.
He has given many talks, seminars and workshops on the subject, as well as being interviewed by all sectors of the media about his work.
He is passionate about people having great relationships, and his website is dedicated to that purpose.
He is the author of the ebook “How to Have An Extraordinary Relationship”.
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