Domestic violence is physical, sexual, verbal and/or psychological behavior that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship. In a domestic violence incident, one person (male or female) attempts to control another through threats or actual physical force. Consider the statistics:

• 4 million to 6 million people are involved in domestic violence in any 12-month period.
• More than 3 women are murdered every day by a husband or boyfriend.
• 1 of every 3 women around the world is battered.
• Although it is primarily females who are abused, 835,000 men per year have been victims of domestic violence and 440 men were killed by their partner in 2005.

In our teenage population, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that:

• 1 in 4 adolescents report verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse each year.
• 1 in 11 high school students report being hurt by someone they were dating.

That means that for every high school classroom with 28 students, at least 2 of them have been or are being hurt by the person they are dating.

In light of these statistics, it is likely that at one point in your personal or professional life, you will come across someone who is experiencing abuse. Try the following if you believe a coworker, friend or family member is being abused:

• Let the person know you are worried about him or her. Don’t use the words “abuse” or “victim.” You might say (in private), "I noticed you have several bruises today. I am worried about you and what may be happening. Do you want to talk about it?"
• Don’t push, but let him/her know you are there if needed
• Let him or her know that the abuse isn’t his/her fault.
• Acknowledge what is happening and offer help.
• Set an example for healthy relationships by treating others with respect and honoring personal and professional boundaries. You can show your concern without demanding information or pushing the person to reveal more than he or she is ready for.
• Stay involved; perhaps leave a note on his/her desk or in their room providing a website or number where help can be found.

Useful resources that might be of help to the individual include:

• The Domestic Violence hotline 1-800-799-7233
• The Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/injury
• Liz Claiborne, Inc. sponsors a program aimed at reducing violence in teen relationships. The site is helpful for teens, parents, and educators www.loveisnotabuse.com

Remember, your Aetna EAP is always available to help 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, toll free at 1-888-AETNA-EAP (1-888-238-6232), TTY-TDD 866-843-6323 or visit www.aetnaeap.com and enter your company ID.

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All EAP calls are confidential, except as required by law (for example, when a person’s emotional condition is a threat to himself/herself or others, or there is suspected abuse of a minor child, and in some areas, spousal or elder abuse). While this material is believed to be accurate as of the print date, it is subject to change.
Aetna is the brand name used for products and services offered through the Aetna group of subsidiary companies. The EAP is administered by Aetna Behavioral Health, LLC and Aetna Life Insurance Company.
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