Tuesday, June 30, 2009

North Dakota

In North Dakota, 59% of reported sexual assaults occurred within the home.

However, statistics show that the majority of sexual assaults are NOT reported and this is particularly true when the perpetrator is known by the victim.

Even more interestingly, 28% of domestic violence victims were abused by a FORMER spouse or partner.

Help DEMi end domestic violence in North Dakota today.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Alabama

There were 26,501 domestic assaults reported in 2005.

Hands, fists, or feet were used as a weapon in 51% of the offenses. Other dangerous weapons were used in 17% of the offenses, including knives and firearms.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Utah

For the state of Utah, we are going to feature sexual assault and, particularly, the sexual assault of children.

According to the Utah Office of the Guardian ad Litem one in three girls and one in five boys will be sexually assaulted by the age of 18.

Rape is also the only category of violent crime for which Utah's rate exceeds the national average.

According to a survey of Utah women, 86.2% of victims experience their first sexual assault before their 18th birthday.

Friday, June 26, 2009

New Jersey

1,726 adults and 1,903 children were sheltered by domestic violence programs in 2006.

MORE children then adults were forced to flee their homes in terror of people they knew and trusted. They leave with nothing more than the clothes on their back and, if they're lucky, a backpack of extra clothes and memories. Everything else is sacrificed to save themselves.

Even more heartbreaking, in the same year, 3,888 children were involved in and 20,857 were present during a domestic violence offense.

Subtracting the 1,903 who were able to flee, that leaves 1,985 and 18,934 children still witnessing the violence in their own homes.

These children will likely be the abusers and abused of tomorrow unless we intervene and stop the violence.

Help DEMi fight domestic violence for the sake of these faces.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

South Carolina

The vast majority of both domestic violence aggravated assault and homicide in South Carolina is committed by boyfriend/girlfriend or by a spouse. The number committed by a boyfriend/girlfriend is higher than those committed by a spouse.

South Carolina also ranks 7th in the nation for murders of women killed by men and has consistently remained in the top 10 for over 10 years.

Clearly there is a need for a safer way for the abused to alert the police in case of an emergency without the assailant finding out.

For more information on how to protect those you love, please visit www.getdemi.com today.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Hawaii

Land of the sun and surf is also a breeding ground for domestic violence.

The average age of a mother who is being abused is 35 in the state of Hawaii.

But the average age of an abused woman is 18 years old.

However, unfortunately, the next statistic DEMi is all too familiar with.

It's not only the story in the state of Hawaii but nationwide.

Statistics show through EVERY age group that the majority of sexual assaults occur in the victim's home, workplace, or a hotel.

For that reason alone we made DEMi able to travel with you! DEMi can plug into ANY phone line, anytime, anywhere. ALL of those places have them.

So take DEMi on vacation. Take DEMi to work.

And if you're up to it, take pictures of DEMi wherever you bring her! We'd love to see where your DEMi went with you!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Washington

In one day, 267 service requests were unmet in 2008. Lack of funding and shortage of staff are the reasons this occurs. 237 were requests from victims seeking emergency shelter or transitional housing.

70% of Washington’s programs have less than 20 paid staff including 43% which have less than 10 paid staff.

The average starting salary of a full-time, salaried front-line advocate is $24,803.

Yet again, DEMi is seeing a dramatic lack of funding for domestic violence asssistance. We remind and implore you to contact your state and federal representatives and senators and demand adequate funding for domestic violence programming.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Maine

In 2006, 58% of domestic assaults were male to female violence. Therefore 42% were the “minority” groups (female to male, male to male, and female to female). That’s a very large group of ignored people.

So nearly half of those abused were not the "standard" set forward by stereotypes.

DEMi was also surprised to learn that forcible rapes in Maine increased by 4.8% in the year 2006. Faster than the rise of the cost of living, forcible rape likely grew more than your paycheck in that year.

But most shocking to DEMi was this. 99% of personal weapon domestic violence assault was done with hands.

Everywhere we turn we hear about statistics about people owning firearms putting them at an increased risk for domestic violence assault with a weapon. Yet, in Maine, 99% of "personal weapon domestic violence assault" was committed with HANDS. Leaving only 1% for knives, firearms, and other physical weapons not permanently attached to the body.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Indiana

In Indiana, of the adult victims in domestic violence shelters, 30% were the spouse of the perpetrator, 5% were the separated spouse, and 32% were in a dating relationship. That means 67% of the adult victims were abused by a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend again proving that you are more likely to be attacked by someone you know and trust.

But what about the other 33%? Who abused them?

And what about the 1471 that were turned away?

How about the age of the average adult victim in an Indiana shelter? 34% were between the ages of 26-35. 27% were between the ages of 36-45. 26% were between the ages of 18-25.

What do you think of when you see that 87% of these adult victims are between the age of 18 and 45? DEMi thinks of mothers and fathers. People who likely have children coming with them.

And we were right.

4,414 adults stayed in a shelter in 2003.

4,356 children stayed in a shelter in 2003.

Nearly identical numbers. Children being forced to flee their homes to save themselves from being attacked by someone they loved and trusted.

They leave everything behind. They take only what they can carry when they go.

Think of what summer would be like hiding in a domestic violence shelter as a child. No sand toys, no camping, no trips to the beach or the local amusement park.

Contact your local domestic violence shelter today and ask if you can deliver some toys for children to play with. Ask what they need. Think about those young children. Even dropping off travel size containers of baby shampoo so they don't have to use adult brands that sting their eyes makes a difference to them. Donate a case of diapers. Donate your child's old clothes that are still in good enough shape for another child to wear. Give from your heart to these child victims of circumstance.

And do it today.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Florida

The state of Florida serves a large elderly population. Many of them are far from their families and end up being abused by medical personnel, caretakers, and others.

From 2005-2006, 101 people 60 years and older received victim services from emergency shelters and 1,200 were served in outreach programs.

Now imagine how many weren't able to get to assistance. Who didn't know how to find the information they needed. Who can't maneuver in places like this to find the help they so desperately need. Imagine those who literally couldn't speak about their abuse because diseases like Alzheimer's have taken away their ability to articulate the horrors they are living through.

But the elderly aren't the only at risk group in the state of Florida. In fact, DEMi staff were shocked to read the following quote.

“99% of all the women who died as a result of domestic violence from 2005 to mid-2006 never stayed in a shelter, and 95% had no contact with a certified domestic violence center within five years of their murder.” Staff, Florida Department of Children and Families Domestic Violence Program Office

Women aren't reaching out for the assistance they so clearly need in Florida. If you know someone who is in a domestic violence situation, please, encourage them to reach out. Encourage them to find allies who want to help them. Domestic Violence staff across the nation know that they might not want to leave, but they need help desperately to deal with their situation. To KNOW that they have an ally even in their darkest hours.

Help them take that first step today.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Nevada

Nevada is ranked the 4th highest state in America for sexual assault crimes. A forcible rape occurs every 1.98 minutes.

Sadder still, resources are stretched tightly as the 8,548 registered sex offenders avoid being monitored. Only 3,750 are monitored by Parole and Probation.

But something struck DEMi's staff more than any of these other statistics.

"In 56.7% of domestic violence cases in 2001, no arrest was made because the perpetrator was gone upon arrival of police."

No arrest because they ran away.

But why would they run?

BECAUSE THEY KNOW WHAT THEY DID WAS WRONG.

And without them there to be arrested for it, burden of proof falls squarely on the victim.

DEMi says NO MORE! With the ability to record your domestic assault by our Care Specialist Center, proof of your assult is now available.

And your assailant will HAVE to stand up and admit to the crime that was committed.

Stand up today and tell Nevada's runaway abusers that they don't have a chance anymore because DEMi is here and their victims will never be alone again.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

New Hampshire

New Hampshire recently released a study on violence within the male population of it's state regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and physical violence. The DEMi staff was completely shocked to learn that in the state of New Hampshire, nearly 3 out of every 4 men experience sexual or physical violence at some point in their lifetime.

One in 20 men reported sexual assault and 68% reported that assault occurred BEFORE their 18th birthday.

One in 4 men reported being physically abused by an intimate partner.

These statistics are astounding. Other studies have shown that number to range between one in six and one in twenty.

DEMi stands proudly with the state of New Hampshire to fight domestic violence against men and women.

For more information on domestic violence in the state of New Hampshire or to get assistance for you or someone you love in that state, please contact:

New Hampshire Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence - www.nhnadsv.org

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

DEMi Webpage Update!

DEMi is excited to announce that you will soon be able to link to ALL our social networking media from our website. Visit http://www.getdemi.com/ and click on the "Follow DEMi" tab on the left hand side!

Nebraska

First off, DEMi would like to take our hats off to the state of Nebraska for being the very first to abolish marital rape exemption all the way back in 1976. What a great way to celebrate the bi-centennial and push yourselves and the rest of the country into the future. Congratulations on setting the standard and placing it high before others could see that abuse within marriage is STILL ABUSE.

The Nebraska Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition (NDVSAC) answered 70,000 calls in its various 24 hour hotlines from 2003-2004.

DEMi tips our hats off to your hotline workers who staff those phones and clearly help so many people.

Wow, Nebraska is sure stepping up in the world of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

That said, as always, the picture isn't always so rosy.

Of the 30 child deaths in Nebraska from 1998 - 2003, 46% were a direct result of domestic violence.

46% of those little angels died because of abuse.

What if they had a button to push to summon help? Save their OWN lives? What if their bigger brothers or sisters could have pushed it for them?

DEMi doesn't just provide one pendant. On request, we can provide multiple pendants so all children old enough to understand the meaning of an emergency can push the button in an emergency. And if they push it by accident, it's no problem. They say the safe word, say oops, and the day moves on just like nothing ever happened.

Help DEMi never see a statistic like this again. If you are aware of a child who is suffering from domestic violence, be a positive force in their life and encourage them and their abused loved ones to seek help.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Wisconsin

According to the Wisconsin Coaltion Against Sexual Assault, 93% of Wisconsin sexual assault survivors are violated by someone they know and trusted.

That's right. SOMEONE THEY KNOW. Someone they would let right into their front door would sexually assault them.

Help DEMi end domestic violence and sexual assault in this lifetime.

For more information on how you can help domestic violence and sexual assault organizations contact them directly at:

Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault – http://www.wcasa.org/

Monday, June 15, 2009

Colorado

Colorado is the first state on our 50 Days of Awareness.

Colorado Statistics:


In the state of Colorado, nearly half the murders are committed by an intimate partner.

Children, age 18 and under, comprised 43% of Colorado shelter residents in 2007.

In 2007, 6,341 individuals were turned away from shelters in Colorado due to a lack of capacity, a 7% increase from 2006.



Those 6,341 individuals could be helped by DEMi if they knew she was out there. Help us let Colorado know that they need DEMi in their arsenal in the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault.



If you or someone you know are a victim of Domestic Violence in the state of Colorado, the following organizations stand by ready to help you in your moment of need. Their websites are:

Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence – www.ccadv.org
Colorado Anti Violence Project – www.coavp.org

Sunday, June 14, 2009

50 Days of Awareness

Every day for the next 50 Days, members of DEMi's social media groups will receive one statistic on domestic violence in America. Each day will represent one state in America. DEMi will still continue our normal updates and functions throughout this period, but we are asking each and every one of you to pay attention to these very special releases.

Domestic violence has a shroud covering it's face. We look away from the bruises and cast our glances down as victims walk past us day after day.

The goal of these statistics is to remove the shroud and give the world a face for domestic violence. It's your brother, your sister, your father, your mother. Your cousin, your aunt, your uncle, one of your grandparents. It's your best friend, your first love, your neighbor, your spouse.

Join us as we follow domestic violence across the nation and raise awareness of how it affects every community, every culture, every race, and every social group.

New Poll at Yahoo Group!

Many Domestic Violence victims fear they are alone. That they deserve the treatment they are receiving. While they fear for their lives, the honestly believe no one cares about what is happening to them.

Come and Vote on DEMi's Yahoo Group Poll about if you or someone you have loved (daughter, wife, friend, family member) have been a victim of domestic violence at some point in their lifetime. Show Domestic Violence Victims that they are not alone and that there are people in this world who want to support them and who DO love them.

At DEMi, we cherish and value the lives of Domestic Violence victims. NO ONE is worthless.

Come, Vote, and show your support to the millions of Domestic Violence victims worldwide and tell them that you want to see Domestic Violence end in your lifetime.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

DEMi is on YAHOO GROUPS!!!

DEMi has an official Yahoo Group for Friends, Family, and Fans! We're excited to be announcing open forum discussions, weekly polls, and a place for your stories and DEMi feedback. Join us today and keep up to date on everything DEMi has to offer!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Join the Fight

Help us STOP domestic violence in our lifetime.

Domestic violence is a leading cause of injury across the globe. More people are affected by domestic violence at some point in their lifetime than will have cancer. Yet we choose to stand idly by while our neighbors are abused and beaten by those they trust most in this world.

Join DEMi's blog and comment here to let us know that you stand with us in the fight against domestic violence. Together, we can end this tragedy and begin the ball rolling for the world to have peace within the home.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

DEMi on the Hunt

DEMi is looking for your stories of Domestic Violence in your life. Statistics show at least 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men are victims of domestic violence. Let us know how domestic violence has touched your life and how DEMi could have made a difference. If the person you know affected is still in an abusive situation or at risk for being abused, please contact us and let us help you get them the help they need.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Welcome to DEMi's Blog!

DEMi is the new state of the art emergency notification system for domestic violence. This safe alert system provides a method of contacting emergency services without risking your own safety. Visit us at www.getDEMi.com for more information and join us on Facebook and Twitter!