Domestic abuse—also called domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV)—affects millions of people each year in the United States. It can involve physical violence, emotional abuse, psychological manipulation, sexual abuse, financial control, or threats intended to intimidate or control a partner.

Understanding the warning signs and knowing how to respond can help protect survivors and potentially save lives.

What To Do If You Are Experiencing Domestic Abuse

If you are currently in an abusive situation, your safety is the top priority.

1. Seek Immediate Help if You Are in Danger

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services and seek medical attention if needed.

2. Create a Safety Plan

Having a safety plan can help you and your children leave quickly if necessary. A safety plan may include:

Identifying a trusted friend or family member you can call
Setting aside important documents
Preparing an emergency bag
Knowing safe places you can go

Many domestic violence organizations can help survivors create personalized safety plans.

3. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call or Text: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: https://www.thehotline.org

Advocates are available 24 hours a day and can help you:

Create a safety plan
Find shelters or local support services
Connect with legal and counseling resources
Talk confidentially about your situation

What To Do If Someone Tells You They Are Being Abused

If someone trusts you enough to share that they are experiencing domestic abuse, your response can make a meaningful difference.

Listen Without Judgment

Simply listening can be one of the most powerful ways to support someone experiencing abuse. Avoid blaming or questioning their choices.

Respect Their Privacy

Keep the conversation confidential. Do not share what they told you without their permission unless there is an immediate threat to their safety.

Offer Resources Instead of Advice

Provide information about support services such as hotlines, shelters, or local advocacy groups. Allow the survivor to make decisions at their own pace.

Warning Signs of Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can be difficult to recognize because it often occurs behind closed doors. However, there are common warning signs that may indicate someone is experiencing abuse.

Possible Physical Signs

Unexplained injuries or injuries inconsistent with explanations
Wearing clothing that hides bruises or injuries
Frequent medical issues without clear causes

Behavioral and Emotional Signs

Minimizing or denying harassment or injuries
Sensitivity when discussing home life
Signs of fear, anxiety, or depression
Isolation from friends, family, or coworkers
Sudden changes in work performance or attendance
Frequent distressing phone calls or messages from a partner
Excessive gifts or attempts by a partner to control or monitor them

Domestic abuse often involves patterns of control, not just isolated incidents of violence.

Why Survivors May Stay in Abusive Relationships

A common and harmful misconception is that survivors could “just leave.” In reality, leaving an abusive relationship is often complicated and dangerous. Research shows that survivors may attempt to leave multiple times before permanently leaving an abusive relationship. Some reasons people stay include:

Fear that the abuser will become more violent if they leave
Threats against the survivor, children, family members, or pets
Financial dependence on the abuser
Lack of safe housing or resources
Emotional attachment and hope the abuser will change
Cultural or religious pressures
Fear of losing custody of children
Isolation from support systems
Shame or fear of being judged

In fact, the most dangerous time for a survivor is often when they attempt to leave the relationship, which is why safety planning is critical.

Domestic Abuse Statistics in the United States

Domestic violence remains one of the most widespread forms of violence in the country. According to national research and crime data:

1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
Intimate partner violence accounts for about 15% of all violent crimes in the United States.
More than 12 million people experience domestic violence each year.
On a typical day, domestic violence hotlines receive more than 20,000 calls nationwide.

Firearms and Domestic Violence

Access to firearms significantly increases the danger for survivors.

The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by approximately 500%.
A majority of intimate partner homicides involve firearms.

Domestic Abuse Statistics in Michigan

Domestic violence remains a serious issue across Michigan communities. Recent reports show:

Over 90,000 domestic violence incidents are reported to Michigan law enforcement each year.
Domestic violence shelters and advocacy programs assist thousands of survivors annually across the state.
Firearms are involved in a large percentage of domestic violence-related homicides in Michigan.
Women between the ages of 18 and 24 experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence.

Many cases of domestic abuse go unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of resources, meaning the true number of survivors is likely much higher.

You Are Not Alone

Domestic abuse can leave survivors feeling isolated, fearful, or powerless. Support is available, and there are people and organizations dedicated to helping survivors find safety and healing.