Abuse in Texas

2003 in Texas at a Glance

185,299 Family Violence Incidents
153* women killed by their intimate partner

*Information provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Council on Family Violence. *In June, TCFV was able to report on 140 women killed as a result of domestic violence. Continued TCFV research into women killed by ex-boyfriends (a number not tracked by the Texas Department of Public Safety) provides, for the very first time, a new level of accuracy in accounting for the tragic toll of domestic violence in our state.

11,545 Adults received shelter from their abusive relationships
18,188 children received shelter

Information provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission

In 2002, The Texas Council on Family Violence conducted a statewide polling on prevalence and attitudes on domestic violence. Below are some of the findings:

74% of all Texans have either themselves, a family member and/or a friend have experienced some form of domestic violence.

47% of all Texans report having personally experienced at least one form of domestic violence, either severe, verbal and/or forced isolation from friends and family at some point in their lifetime.

31% of all Texans report that they have been severely abused at some point in their lifetime. Women report severe abuse at a higher rate than men.

75% of all Texans report that they would be likely to call the police if they were to experience some form of domestic violence. Yet only 20% indicated that they actually did call the police when they or a family member experienced domestic violence.

73% of all Texans believe that domestic violence is a serious problem in Texas.

84% percent of all Texans report that they believe they can personally do something about domestic violence.

78% of all Texans said they would be more likely to vote for a political candidate who helped victims of domestic violence.

74% of all Texans recall recent communications concerning domestic violence.

The TCFV survey over-sampled the Texas Hispanic population to account for any insight specific to the Hispanic community on domestic violence. Below are some highlights of the findings:

77% of all Hispanic Texans indicate that either themselves, a family member and/or a friend have experienced some form of domestic violence. Indicating that approximately

5.2 million Hispanic Texans are personally affected by the epidemic of domestic violence. If the current prevalence rates remain the same, by the year 2030, more than 12.2 million Hispanic Texans could be personally affected by domestic violence.

64% of all Hispanic Texans indicate that they or a member of their family have experienced at least one form of domestic violence in their lifetime.
2 out of every 5 Hispanic Texas females (39%) reported experience severe abuse.

1 out of every 5 Hispanic Texas females (18%) reported being forced to have sex against their will.

40% of Hispanic Texans who reported experiencing at least one form of domestic violence took no action.

63% of all Hispanic Texans recall recent communications concerning domestic violence.

86% of all Hispanic Texans report that they would vote for a candidate who helps domestic violence victims. They are the ethnic group most likely to indicate such. Hispanic Texans, like the general population, have both a limited definition of domestic violence and have a willingness to blame victims for the abuse they suffer.

Domestic Violence in Texas

As a result of our recent statewide survey, TCFV was able to get a better understanding of Domestic Violence in the state of Texas. Fortunately, Texans understand that domestic violence is a serious problem in our state. Texans’ awareness of domestic violence as a crime and their understanding that it is a serious issue that must be addressed is largely responsible for the increase in services available to victims. Yet Texans clearly understand that more can and should be done to help victims of domestic violence. In fact, 60 percent of respondents to our survey believe that Texas does not do enough to help survivors and their families.

Unfortunately, Texans demonstrate a willingness to blame domestic violence on circumstances beyond an abuser’s control, rather than acknowledge the abuser’s culpability. Also, a majority of Texans demonstrate a willingness to blame victims for being abused which limits the options available to those in abusive relationships. These barriers must be addressed in order for more victims of domestic violence to get the help they need, when they need it.

A vast majority (84 percent) of Texans believe that they can make a difference in efforts to end domestic violence. Already, many Texans are taking action to make that difference. More than half of all Texans report having donated time, money or goods to a local domestic violence program. Additionally, More than three-quarters of all Texans showed a willingness to vote for a candidate who has expressed an interest in helping victims of domestic violence.

The public must become acutely aware of the tragic consequences domestic violence has on our families, friends, workplaces and communities. They must rid themselves of many of the senseless misperceptions that exacerbate the barriers that block domestic violence survivors’ pathways to safety. Far too many Texans know someone who is a victim of domestic violence. We all must help these survivors find safety, receive justice and create opportunities for them to live the violence-free lives they deserve.