Don't take our word...statistics prove.

Domestic violence remains a significant issue in Pennsylvania, affecting individuals across all

demographics, with immigrants, minorities, and underrepresented communities facing unique challenges. Recent data indicate that one in three women in Pennsylvania experiences domestic violence in her lifetime closely mirroring national statistics. In 2023, there were a total of 40,301 reports of suspected child abuse in PA. 56 substantiated fatalities , 247 suspected near fatalities.

( Pennsylvania Dept of Human Resources) In 2022 alone, PA recorded over 100 domestic

violence-related homicides, underscoring the lethal nature of abuse. Unfortunately, such incidents are often underreported, particularly in immigrant and minority communities due to language barriers, immigration status concerns and a lack of culturally competent resources, which make these populations more vulnerable. Immigrant and minority people in Pennsylvania often experience compounded risks due to socioeconomic disparities, cultural stigmas, and a lack of accessible resources. Many face financial insecurity, which may limit their ability to leave abusive situations. Fear of deportation or legal repercussions can deter immigrants from seeking help, particularly in cases where abusers use immigration status as leverage. Systemic barriers and distrust of law enforcement may further inhibit their ability to access support. These challenges contribute to the higher rates of trauma and fewer reporting and support options for these communities, making targeted interventions crucial. Shelters and domestic violence resources in Pennsylvania are frequently overwhelmed, with many programs operating at or above capacity. Services that address the unique needs of minority and immigrant survivors are in especially short supply, despite the critical role they play in empowerment.

Language-accessible hotlines, culturally tailored support services, and legal assistance are

essential but underfunded. Addressing these needs requires ongoing investment to expand and sustain these specialized resources, which can significantly impact safety and recovery

outcomes for survivors from all backgrounds.

Investing in services for domestic violence survivors in PA is not only a matter of public safety

but also an essential step in promoting equality and justice within communities. Enhanced

support and prevention programs specifically designed for immigrant and minority women/men can help mitigate risk factors and provide safer alternatives. With adequate resources , nonprofit organizations can implement culturally sensitive interventions, helping survivors rebuild their lives. Investing in these programs not only helps prevent further trauma but also contributes to healthier more resilient communities across Pennsylvania.

Data from the National Network to End Domestic Violence shows that PA’s domestic violence

programs served over 3100 victims in a single day in 2023, while more than 800 service

requests went unmet due to insufficient resources. Nearly 60% of these unfulfilled requests

were for emergency shelter, indicating a critical gap in immediate safety and support for those escaping violence.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence ( PCADV) notes that in 2023, 119

individuals in the state lost their lives due to domestic violence, with firearms involved in over

75% of these cases. This tragic toll underscores the ongoing risks and challenges facing

survivors, particularly as domestic violence fatalities remain prevalent across all demographics and regions within the state. Over 10 million people are abused each year in the United States, regardless of gender. Nearly one in four women and one in seven men have experienced severe physical violence, and almost half of all women and men have experienced psychological abuse by a partner in their lifetime. Most survivors of abuse experience some form of IPV for the first time before the age of 25.

Approximately 37.1% of Pennsylvania women and 30.4% of Pennsylvania men experience

intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner

stalking in their lifetimes. PCADV tracks domestic violence homicides in Pennsylvania. In 2019, 109 victims lost their lives to domestic violence 44% of whom were killed by a current or former intimate partner.

In Pennsylvania, while exact numbers for male victims are not always broken out separately in

publicly available reports, research from organizations such as PCADV & National Domestic Violence hotline suggests that roughly 1 in 10 men in the state have experienced some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. This includes physical violence, emotional abuse, stalking, and psychological abuse.

Pennsylvania Dept of Human Services has substantiated 2023 reports of child abuse victims by race/ethnicity listed. Out of 4730 children, 2987 white (63.3%) , 1021 black or African American (7.45) , 348 multi-racial ( 7.4%) , and 46 Asian children (1%), less than22 ( Native American, American Indian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) and 306 of unknown background (6.5%). This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need for greater attention to the well-being of children, who are just as vulnerable and in desperate need of increased support.

Pregnancy can often be an especially risky period for victims of domestic violence. Many report their abuse started or intensified when they became pregnant. About 20% of pregnant people experience violence during their pregnancy. The increased risks are even greater for Black pregnant people or those under 20 years old. People with unintended pregnancies are also two to four times more likely to experience physical violence than those with planned pregnancies.

For immigrants, domestic violence risks are often compounded by additional barriers such as

cultural stigma, language difference, and legal status concerns. While culturally specific services are in demand, only a small percent of Pennsylvania’s domestic programs have the resources to meet these needs.

We are advocating for increased funding, especially as immigrant and minority communities are disproportionately affected by resources shortages. Increased support would ensure that

vulnerable groups in our states diverse population receive timely, culturally sensitive assistance, helping reduce the toll of domestic violence across the states.

Summary of sources used as a basis for the summary:

https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/docs/ocyf/documents/2023-

cps-report-pu-60-8-28-24_final-v2.pdf

Data has been obtained from Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) and national organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline reports .

Please note that PCADV uses a conservative method of identifying domestic violence-related deaths. They do not include cases where no arrests have been made or where the relationship between the victim and perpetrator is unclear. They count fatalities involving current and former intimate partners; family members; police officers; and bystanders, interveners and others such as former partners killed by new partners or new partners killed by former partners.

We exclude child abuse and neglect deaths because they are reported by the Pennsylvania

Department of Human Services. However, we include certain child deaths when the deaths are a direct result of domestic violence. These may include situations where the perpetrator kills the entire family or the children/child to harm the parent.