Frequently Asked Questions

What is abuse?

Domestic Violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence, domestic abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to use power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

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How prevalent is domestic violence?

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.

• In the United States, an average of 20 people experience intimate partner physical violence every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually. 

• Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.

• Having a gun in the home increases the risk of homicide by at least 500%.

• 19.3 million women and 5.1 million men in the united states have been stalked.

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 59 men in the United States is raped during their lifetime.

• Each year in Ohio, 88,000-115,000 adults are physically abused by a current or former partner; 21,800 people are arrested for intimate partner violence; 18,822 people file petitions for civil protection order and 3,998 adults seek shelter in domestic violence shelters.

• On a typical day, domestic violence hotline receive approximately 21,000 calls or approximately 15 calls every minute.

How does intimate partner violence (IPV) compare to other threats among adult women in our 6 counties?

• In Crawford County 230-310 adult women experience physical IPV while 124 are injured in motor vehicle crashes, 111 mothers are without 1st semester prenatal care and 118 are diagnosed with cancer.

• In Delaware County 760-1,000 adult women experience physical IPV while 633 are injured in motor vehicle crashes, 443 mothers are without 1st semester prenatal care and 286 are diagnosed with cancer.

• In Marion County 310-420 adult women experience physical IPV while 279 are injured in motor vehicle crashes, 245 mothers are without 1st semester prenatal care and 188 are diagnosed with cancer.

• In Morrow County 170-230 adult women experience physical IPV while 146 are injured in motor vehicle crashes, 124 mothers are without 1st semester prenatal care and 65 are diagnosed with cancer.

• In Union County 240-320 adult women experience physical IPV while 161 are injured in motor vehicle crashes, 152 mothers are without 1st semester prenatal care and 97 are diagnosed with cancer.

• In Wyandot County 110-150 adult women experience physical IPV while 59 are injured in motor vehicle crashes, 53 mothers are without 1st semester prenatal care and 68 are diagnosed with cancer.

What keeps victims in abusive relationships?

• Guilt

• Money/financial problems without partner

• Companionship

• Hope their partner will change

• Don't want to look/feel like a failure

• Not wanting to start over

• Fear of losing children

• Threats of physical harm

• Pressure from others

• Low self-esteem

• Love for the abuser

• Promises, apologies, crying

• Security

• Threats of suicide by abuser

• Religion/culture

• Fear of harassment

• Lack of awareness - it's okay to leave

• Not being able to identify abusive behaviors

• Lack of support system

• Thinking certain behaviors are normal

• Fear of no one believing you

• Isolation

If a victim chooses to leave, their problems are not always solved. In fact, after leaving a relationship this can be the most dangerous time for a victim. A victim's lethality can increase by over 500 times because abusers lose their scapegoat and living proof of their power and superiority.

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What are some of the effects of family violence on the victims?

• Shame

• Isolation from others

• Depression

• Increased substance abuse

• Emotional problems

• Low self-esteem

• Illness, pain, injuries

• Permanent physical damage

• Death

What are some of the effects of family violence on society?

• Increased crime

• Increased medical, legal, police and counseling costs

• Cost of incarceration

• Decreased quality of life

• Community problems: crime, drugs, alcohol, abuse, runaway teens and suicide.

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How can the victim keep the abuser away from her/him?

Turning Point can explain the difference between the various types of protection orders. A Temporary Protection Order is issued after criminal charges have been filed by the state. A Civil Protection Order is obtained through Common Pleas Courts by the victim petitioning the court. Turning Point advocates accompany the victims through the entire legal process and provide support to them. 

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What can I do if I know someone who is being abused?

• Ask direct questions, giving them ample opportunity to talk. Don't rush into providing solutions.

• Listen without judging. Victims often believe their abuser's negative messages. They can feel responsible, ashamed, and inadequate. Many are afraid they will be judged.

• Let them know you support them and that they are not responsible for the violence.  Only abuser can stop the violence they cause.

• Explain violence in a relationship is never acceptable. There is no excuse for abuse - not alcohol or drugs, not financial pressure, not depression, and not jealousy.

• Explain that domestic violence is a crime and they can seek protection from the justice system.

• If they have children, reinforce their concern for them, letting them know that domestic violence is damaging to children. You may also want to reach out to the children.

• Emphasize when they are ready, they can decide to leave the relationship and help is available.

• Contact your local domestic violence program yourself for guidance, advice, and resources.

• If you see or hear an assault in progress, call the police. Do not physically intervene, this can be dangerous to you and the victim.

What counties are served by Turning Point?

Crawford, Delaware, Marion, Morrow, Union and Wyandot