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.