The Numbers Demand More of Us

Domestic violence is widespread. Our responsibility to respond must be too.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

840 million women and girls. Nearly 1 in 3 women globally have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

Source: World Health Organization

316 million women. About 11% of women age 15 and older experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence in the previous 12 months.

Source: World Health Organization

0.2%. The average annual decline in intimate partner violence over the past two decades. At this pace, the scale of the problem is barely changing.

Source: World Health Organization

Nearly 8 million paid workdays are estimated to be lost each year in the U.S. because of intimate partner violence.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

In Texas:

161 Texans were killed by an intimate partner in 2024.

137 were women.

75% had sought help to end or escape the abuse.

Source: Texas Council on Family Violence

These numbers are not the responsibility of survivors and domestic violence organizations alone.

CORPORATIONS

Domestic violence is a workforce issue. Employers can protect jobs, strengthen policies, train leaders, provide confidential support, and help women maintain safety and economic security.

CHURCHES

Churches must recognize abuse, prioritize safety, connect women to professional support, and ensure marriage, forgiveness, reconciliation, or faith are never used as reasons to remain in danger.

COMMUNITIES

Leaving does not eliminate the need. Housing, transportation, childcare, legal assistance, counseling, employment, food, and safety may all be needed at once.

Pay attention. Sometimes the signs are there. When a woman comes forward, handle her with care. Listen. Believe her. Do not judge or minimize her experience.

CULTURE

Shame. Expectations about marriage. Pressure to keep families together. Financial dependence. Normalized control. Expectations to endure.

We must stop creating environments where enduring abuse is more acceptable than leaving it.

COURTS

75% of Texans killed by intimate partners in 2024 had sought help.

Courts must recognize patterns of coercive control, intimidation, stalking, financial abuse, and post-separation abuse. Their decisions can have profound consequences for women and children.

Awareness Is Not Enough

1 in 3. 840 million. 316 million in one year. Nearly 8 million lost workdays. 161 Texans killed. 75% had sought help.

The scale of domestic violence demands a response equal to its impact.

Corporations must support. Churches must support. Communities must support. Culture must change. Courts must understand.

Seven’s Grace stands with victims and survivors of domestic violence.

100% of donations raised by Seven’s Grace during October will support 7477, providing up to seven counseling sessions for at least 77 women impacted by domestic violence who otherwise may not be able to afford counseling.

Because awareness should lead to action, and action should create access to support, healing, and restoration.

Domestic violence may be perpetrated by an individual.

But ending it is a collective responsibility.

Seven’s Grace

Healing. Wholeness. Grace in Motion.