questions & answers

Question: My wife has a friend she's working for about 15 years. They talk a lot after everyone leaves the office the day. About 5 months ago the woman broke down and told my wife her husband has been beating her for 20 yrs she showed my wife several bruises her stomach and told my she's afraid leave because her husband said he will kill her. I know this is how abusers keep their spouses aroun. Is there some place I can find statistics on how many abusers say this and how many actually carry it out? Also if she went the police and the courts the day he hit her and showed the bruises would he be arrested

Answer: If the friend is in immediate danger, she should call 911.  There are places that will help any victim of domestic violence get away from their abuser.  She can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.  They will put her in contact with someone that can assist her in getting away from the abuser.  The same goes for the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.  their number is:  800-799-SAFE (7223).  Both places are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  They will assist the person with many alternatives to staying with an abuser, including finding a safe place to stay, getting orders of protection, etc. 

As to your question regarding statistice, both the AZ Coalition and the National Domestic Violence office would have the statistics,