News from the WNY Women's Fund

This month we will introduce you to Francine. Her suffering counts among the nearly 5,400 cases of intimate partner violence against women reported across WNY in 2008. Thousands more are never reported.

That equates to one victim for every 50 households in WNY. Francine has the right to live free of abuse, but may feel isolated, trapped, depressed and afraid. Her children, possibly victims of abuse themselves, are affected just witnessing abuse. Francine needs immediate help to secure or plan for her safety, but she also needs training, education and health supports to ensure her long-term independence.

Roadblocks to Freedom from Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse:

The figure of 5,400 leaves out silent victims. Studies have shown that, on average, 50% of intimate partner violence is never reported, making this crime one of the most underreported of all crimes

Intimate partner violence cuts across all socioeconomic lines, including race, age, sexual orientation, income level and geography

In WNY, 13 women were killed by their current or former husband or boyfriend in less than a year between 2008 and 2009, a startling increase from four deaths in all of 2007

Roadblocks to Economic Security:

National studies have found that about half of domestic violence victims have a psychiatric disorder, with the most common being anxiety (46%), post-traumatic stress disorder (45%) and depression (37%)

Many victims of abuse have a low sense of self esteem, which can be a significant barrier to escaping an abusive relationship

They may have few options for economic independence, either due to financial abuse, or limited education and training

The good news is that there are ways that these roadblocks can be removed, including several important leverage points:

Leverage Point #1: Confront the social and cultural norms at the root of violence against women

Leverage Point #2: Break barriers to victim intervention

Leverage Point #3: Connect victims to supports for economic security

Leverage Point #4: Provide victims with transitional and long-term housing opportunities

Violence against women is not a private matter - it is a public problem. Intimate partner violence reverberates through families, friendships, neighborhoods, workplaces and communities. It shatters lives physically, emotionally and economically. As abusive home environment jeopardizes a child's future. Violence against women costs employers, taxpayers and society. Violence against women is unacceptable.

What if: WNY eradicated intimate partner violence for just one year?

13 WOMEN WOULD BE ALIVE TODAY

Close to 5,400 women would not be physically, sexually, emotionally or financially abused by their intimate partners.

They would be able to pursue their dreams, free from violence. They would be more economically secure. Their children would have a more hopeful future, and be less likely to be the next generation of abusers or victims.

Women, and girls, would be healthier, happier and more confident. There would be fewer unplanned pregnancies and fewer sexually transmitted infections.

It is also a matter of dollars and sense. Intimate partner violence costs the nation billions ever year in lost wages and productivity, medical costs, police and ambulance services, mental health and social services and property damage.

In WNY, these costs totaled $78 million in one year for approximately 5,400 victims. Double that figure to account for the region's thousands of silent victims.

13 lives lost means $57 million in the forfeited economic contributions of victims, as well as related public costs. From criminal prosecution to ambulance services to mental health for victim family members. Defying measurement and cascading through generations is the cost of shatters lives, families, futures and communities.

Click here to read more about Francine in the Full Report

Pathways to Progress is an initiative of the WNY Women's Fund, and was developed and produced by the University at Buffalo Regional Institute.