Domestic Violence Counts 2009
On September 15, 2009 Sarah’s Inn was one of 1,648 nationwide programs (an 83% participation rate) and one of 62 Illinois programs (a 91% participation rate) to complete a 24-hour survey of services for Domestic Violence Counts 2009: A 24-Hour Census of Domestic Violence Shelters and Services through The National Network To End Domestic Violence (NNEDV). In its fourth year, the survey provides a point-in-time, noninvasive, unduplicated record of individuals who access domestic violence services during a single 24-hour period. Some highlights of the 2009 report, released on 3/8/10, include:
Nationwide
• 65,321 victims received services
• 23, 045 hotline calls were answered
• 9,280 requests for services went unmet
• Two women miscarried as a result of domestic violence
• Four women were murdered by their intimate partners
• Seven children were killed by their fathers in domestic violence homicides
• Seven babies were born to mothers living in shelters
In Illinois
• 2,830 victims received services
• 1,236 hotline calls were answered
• 711 requests for services went unmet
According to the survey results, the primary reason for service requests not being met was a lack of funding for needed programs and services. Seventy-two percent of programs (including Sarah’s Inn) have fewer than 20 paid staff. “The economy is exacerbating domestic violence,” said Sue Else, NNEDV’s President. Although the economy does not cause domestic violence, factors associated with a sour economy can increase the severity and frequency of abuse. At the same time, safety options and resources for survivors can be more limited. “This is particularly troublesome news for Illinois programs” says Sarah’s Inn Executive Director Regina Botterill, “because we have already been told to expect more cuts in our state grants for the next fiscal year”.
The census project was partially supported by the generosity of The Allstate Foundation, The Mary Kay Foundation and Intelius, Inc. To download the full report click here.