Domestic violence crosses ethnic, racial, age, nationality, sexual orientation, religious and socioeconomic lines. Homelessness affects many individuals and families right here in our community.

Here are the facts

  • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner
  • 41% of homicides in Virginia are related to intimate partner violence
  • 75% of abused women attempt suicide
  • 1 in 3 teens in the United States will experience some form of physical, sexual or emotional violence by an intimate partner

  • Every 30 seconds, someone is the victim of human trafficking in the U.S.
  • Last year the trafficking industry generated $32 billion…More than Nike, Google and Starbucks combined
  • Slavery was abolished 150 years ago, yet there are more people in slavery today than any other time in our history

  • Every 98 seconds someone in the US is sexually assaulted
  • 1 in 6 American women has been the victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime
  • 64% of transgender individuals will experience sexual assault in their lifetimes

  • Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women 90% of homeless women are victims of severe physical violence of sexual abuse

  • Boys witnessing domestic violence are 3x more likely to be abusers
  • 50% of girls exposed to violence in the home will be adult victims of domestic violence

  • 6 times more likely to commit suicide
  • 24 times more likely to be sexually assaulted
  • 60 times more likely to be involved in delinquent behavior

Education & Outreach

Samaritan House is committed to preventing violence by breaking the cycle in youth and children through promotion of healthy relationships. Our Primary Prevention Specialist provides programming, through the Safe Dates curriculum, to Elementary, Middle, and High School students, as well as community groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, faith-based youth groups and Boys and Girls Clubs. The Safe Dates curriculum can be offered as a 4, 6 or 8-week program that can be tailored to your needs. This material is structured to be age-appropriate and discuss relevant relational issues to educate youth in Hampton Roads. To learn more about this programming, contact Rebecca Headings at rebeccah@samaritanhouseva.org.

It is imperative to stop dating violence before it ever starts. The Safe Dates program can help with that. This evidence-based program helps teens recognize the difference between caring, supportive relationships and controlling, manipulative, or abusive relationships. It is during the critical pre-teen and teen years that young people begin to learn the skills needed to create and foster positive relationships. With Safe Dates, young people are given the tools needed to build these skills. To learn more about this program and scheduling a facilitator for your group, contact rebeccah@samaritanhouseva.org.

How can we work together to prevent violence and homelessness in Hampton Roads?

Education is the best prevention. We offer a variety of trainings, presentations and interactive workshops that help build awareness of domestic and sexual violence as well as human trafficking. We believe that prevention begins with awareness of healthy and unhealthy relationship patterns. Please contact us for a presentation and help be part of the solution. (Presentation lengths and prices vary according to the needs of participants and can be customized to fit your group.)

For more information contact Katherine Ashford.

Available Presentation Topics:

Dynamics of Domestic Violence—Recognition, Prevention & Intervention
Dynamics of Domestic Violence covers the basic definition of violence, and starts the conversation of recognizing red flags of unsafe relationships. By clarifying the myths, stereotypes and beliefs particular to our society, we can decrease victim blaming and build a violence-free community.

Human Trafficking 101 – Hidden in Plain Sight
Human trafficking is a growing concern in the Hampton Roads region, and as the leading service provider of the Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force, Samaritan House offers a comprehensive overview of this unique issue and ways the community can get involved as part of the solution.

Samaritan House Services and Volunteer Opportunities
This presentation is an introduction to Samaritan House for anyone interested in learning more about the basics of the program and how to join the fight to end domestic violence and homelessness.

Contact our Community Engagement Coordinator, Katherine Ashford to schedule your presentation today.

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