Indicator 53: Domestic Violence

 

Why This Is Important

Families are not safe when there exists the threat or presence of any form of domestic
violence. Domestic violence is an insidious problem that tears apart families and exists
among the silence of enabling friends, family members and communities. Domestic violence
includes a wide range of behaviors where one individual controls another through verbal,
physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological maltreatment.

 

Where We Stand

Law enforcement data shows that domestic violence assaults continue to be a significant
problem in Maine. The total number of reported incidents dropped irregularly from 1995
to 1998, before rising again in following years. In 2004, there were more than 14 instances
of such violence in households each day (one domestic assault every 1 hour and 41 minutes,
on average). These figures likely understate the amount of domestic violence in the state,
since they are based only on reports made to the police; some victims are reluctant to report
such incidents.

Male assault on females continues to be the most common form of domestic violence in
Maine, though its percentage of all domestic assault offenses dropped from 68% in 1995
to 59% in 2004. Female assault on males represented 14% off all assaults in 2004.

 

Data Sources and Context

The domestic assault data is generated as part of the National Uniform Crime Reporting
(UCR) Program. This program is administered by the State Police in Maine, and all crime
data from the UCR is published annually in Crime in Maine. The data is available on-line at http://www.state.me.us/dps/cim/crime_in_maine/cim.htm.