CDC: 25 Percent Of Women Are Victims Of Domestic Violence
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A new survey by the Centers for Disease Control finds 25 percent of women are victims of domestic violence -- a figure one government official calls astounding. But victim advocates in Philadelphia say they're sadly aware of the prevalence of domestic violence.
The Philadelphia Police department gets more than 130,000 domestic violence calls each year.
Carol Tracy is executive director of the Women's Law Project. She calls domestic violence in Philadelphia "endemic" and says reporting it is up, but help for it is down.
"We barely have the resources to address it. Women Against Abuse operates the only domestic violence shelter in Philadelphia, (and) turns away hundreds and hundreds of women."
She says the state has cut funds for services and there are virtually no resources for prevention.
Tracy says the stress of the holidays often sparks more abuse.
Women in danger should call 866-723-3014.
