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Family: Family Violence Indicator Family violence is less of a problem in DuPage County than in the state overall, but it is a problem that should be watched.
ABOUT THE INDICATOR Family violence is an important indicator of the health of families. The measure provides information about safety in the household, and a safe and secure family environment is a major contributor to a positive future for DuPage County children. Two measures are presented. The first chart shows family violence offenses per 100,000 persons in DuPage County and Illinois. Family violence offenses are those where the victim and the offender are related through either a household relationship or family relationship, including having children in common. The third chart presents information on child abuse and neglect offenses per 1,000 children (16 and under) in DuPage County and Illinois. In addition to the two indicators, information about the clients served by Family Shelter Service--a local organization whose primary mission is to assist victims of family violence in DuPage--is also presented. OBSERVATIONS In 2001, after three years of decline, family violence offenses in DuPage County increased slightly. Still, family violence occurs far less frequently in the county than in the state: In 2001, there were approximately 285 episodes of family violence for every 100,000 residents of DuPage County, compared with 1,011 for every 100,000 residents of Illinois. The incidence of child abuse and neglect also is much lower in the county than in the state. In 2001, there were less than two offenses involving child abuse or neglect for every 1,000 children in DuPage County, compared with 7.5 offenses for every 1,000 children in the state. The gap between DuPage County’s child abuse and neglect rate and the corresponding Illinois rate has narrowed since 1997, but that can be attributed to a positive trend—namely, a marked decline in the number of child abuse and neglect offenses statewide over the last five years. Although offenses against children decreased in DuPage County as well, the drop was sharper at the state level. Victims of family violence are primarily women and children. In 2002, Family Shelter Service helped nearly 2,000 women and children, representing 97 percent of all people who used the organization’s services. (is there a relationship between violence and economic down turn??? What can we learn about report of 02, 03 TAPESTRY Family violence is the second most prevalent crime in DuPage County. The factors that cause stress for families, including economic struggles, substance abuse, and divorce, are prime contributors to the incidence of family violence. Violent acts against spouses, children, or other family members directly affect the physical and mental health of the victims as well as society at large. In fact, family violence and abuse results in an average of 100,000 days of hospitalization and 30,000 emergency room visits each year in the U.S. This increased hospital use adds to the already high costs of health care. COMMENTARY By Karen Kuchar, Executive Director Family Shelter Services “When learning about the high number of family violence incidents reported to Family Shelter by police in DuPage County, many people react with surprise. The annual increase in the number may be due to many factors, including community awareness efforts resulting in an increased willingness on the part of victims to report this crime, and heightened recognition among police of the critical role of Family Shelter’s services.” HOW TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE
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