Help for Domestic Violence
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence is “a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship”. Domestic violence does not discriminate. Regardless of gender, religion, economic status, or sexual orientation, anyone can fall victim to abuse. Certain circumstances, such as financial dependence or fear of retaliation, prevent victims from seeking help. There is a stigma surrounding DV that makes it more important than ever to speak out against it.
Our organization is hopeful that, with our efforts to start conversation about domestic violence, we will save lives. Alina’s Light is working hard to fight for a world where love doesn’t hurt.
Statistics
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
- About 1 in 5 women & 1 in 7 men have reported experiencing severe physical violence from a partner during their lifetime.
- About 11 million women in the U.S. said that they experienced these forms of violence before the age of 18.
- Over 43 million women and 38 million men have experienced psychological aggression in their lifetime.
- About 1 in 5 homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner; over half of female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former male intimate partner.
According to the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WCS)
- Every minute, about 20 people in the U.S. are physically abused by an intimate partner. Per year = 10 million women & men
- Over 3 women are killed in the U.S. by a spouse every day.
About 10,000,000 children are exposed to domestic violence daily. - TEEN DATING VIOLENCE:
- 1 in 10 high school students have been physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
- ¼ of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.
Resources
Within our own Alina’s Light team, we’re proud to offer survivors the support of Amanda Mavrakis, our Domestic Violence Survivor Advocate
Amanda Mavrakis is Alina’s Light Domestic Violence Survivor Advocate
Amanda plays a vital role in ensuring that survivors connected with Alina’s Light feel supported, heard, and valued. This role is centered on compassionate listening, peer support, and advocacy, not professional counseling. The Survivor Advocate serves as a bridge between survivors and the broader mission of Alina’s Light, helping to amplify survivor voices in advocacy for Alina’s Law and related initiatives. As a survivor herself Amanda ensures that every survivor connected with Alina’s Light has someone to listen, stand beside them, and bring their voices forward in advocacy efforts. Amanda also helps to connect survivors to supportive community events and, when needed, direct them toward professional services, always respecting confidentiality and survivor choice.
This role is not a professional therapeutic or psychological position. The Survivor Advocate does not provide counseling, therapy, or legal services. Instead, she offers kindness, understanding, and peer-level support from the position of someone who walked a mile in their shoe and has found a way to thrive despite all circumstances. Survivors requiring professional or emergency assistance will be referred to the appropriate licensed professionals and resources.
If you or someone you know think that you may be in an abusive relationship, you are not alone. There are a number of legal, emotional, and shelter resources to guide you through this difficult time.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
800.799.SAFE (7233)
Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WCS)
24-hour hotline 412-687-8005
Text support 412-744-8445
wcspittsburgh.org
Physical Assault and Rape 24-hour Center for Victims Hotline
(412) 392-8582
Jewelry SOS Devices
Alina’s Light is partnering with The Watchful Shepherd USA to help offset the cost of SOS devices that provide a fast way for those in jeopardy from domestic or child abuse to immediately summon emergency support. Created by invisaWear, the jewelry and keychain pieces allow potential victims to discreetly activate ADT technology and send a call for help.
Devices can be obtained through a DV agency caseworker. Contact The Watchful Shepherd for more information on getting connected with participating agencies.
Signs of an Abusive Relationship
Abuse can be physical or mental. Look for these red flags to identify an abusive relationship.
Characteristics of an abuser:
- Severely jealous
- Possessive
- Controlling
- May try to financially control the victim
- May try to isolate the victim from friends or family
- May try to force the victim to engage in sex
- May threaten the victim with violence
- Manipulative behavior
Victims of abuse may be in denial of the situation or may be afraid to report the abuse due to circumstances such as financial dependency or fear for their life.
Characteristics of a domestic violence victim:
- Often lack self-confidence and suffer a loss of self-worth
- Socially-isolated
- Are often dependent on their abuser
- Submissive
- Passive