DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Problem

            Domestic violence is rampant among the state of Maryland and is defined as “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another” (Domestic Violence 1). This type of violence can include threats, emotional abuse, physical violence, and sexual violence (1). On average, 20 people per minute become victims of domestic violence in the United States, equating to more than 10 million men and women becoming victims within a single year (1). 1 in 3 women and 1 and 4 men have experienced some type of domestic violence nationwide (1). This type of crime happens all over the United States, especially in Maryland, and needs to be stopped.

 

Background

            In 2013 there were 27,785 acts of domestic violence reported within the state of Maryland (Maryland State Police 55). Within those reports, 19,310 women reported their abuser while 8,475 men reported theirs (57). Assault is the most frequently reported domestic violence act and in 2013, there were 25,188 domestic assaults reported statewide (55). Overall, there were a total of 185,422 crimes reported in Maryland, making domestic violence about 15% of all reported crimes during 2013 (4).

            In 2012, it was estimated that around 890,000 people lived in Prince George’s County, Maryland (Population in the U.S.). In 2013, 2,489 acts of domestic violence were reported, causing Prince George’s County to be the 3rd county in Maryland with the highest rate of reported domestic violence statewide (Maryland State Police 60). The University of Maryland is located in Prince George’s County and this high probability of experiencing domestic violence is risky for both female and male students.

 

Remedy

            The University of Maryland can inform students and even residents of Prince George’s County on domestic violence awareness. They can do this by holding workshops to discuss awareness and warning signs and compare healthy and unhealthy relationships. The University can participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout campus and get students more involved. Hopefully, this will lower the rates of domestic violence within Prince George’s County.