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Violence affects women of all backgrounds and ages. Violence can have terrible and costly results for everyone involved, including families, communities, and society. Violence can take many forms, including domestic or intimate partner violence, sexual assault and abuse, dating violence, and elder abuse. Learn more about the different types of violence in our violence against women section.
According to the National Violence Against Women survey, almost 1 in 3 African-American females has been subject to intimate partner violence. Intimate partner violence includes rape, physical assault, or stalking.
If you have been hurt by someone, keep in mind, it is not your fault. You did not cause the abuse to occur, and you are not responsible for the violent behavior of someone else.
If you're a victim of abuse or violence at the hands of someone you know or love, or you are recovering from an assault by a stranger, you are not alone. To get immediate help and support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673. You can also visit the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.
Internet safety and abusive relationships
An abuser may be able to check your computer to see e-mails you sent and websites you visited. If you are concerned, try to use a friend's computer or one at your local library. Learn more about technology and your safety.
Slavery. Many people think it's something from a history book. But modern-day slavery — human trafficking — is happening every day around the world and in the United States. In fact, about 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States each year. U.S. victims are mostly women and girls from Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Africa.
If you are a victim, know someone who is a victim, or know of a person(s) or operation you think may be involved in trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-3737-888. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center can help with calls from all regions of the United States. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Content last updated: May 18, 2010.