On September 15, 2009 the National Network to End Domestic Violence (www.nnedv.org) organized a 24 hour census of domestic violence programs across the U.S. 1,648 out of 1,980 programs participated. The results of the census reported that 65,321 victims were served on that one day alone. That is about 46 victims every minute and on an annual basis over 23 million victims. The numbers tell us how huge the problem is but they don’t tell the human side of the story. Here are some stories behind the numbers.

“A woman sought help today after her abuser tied her up and beat her while his family watched. The abuser poured gasoline over her feet and threatened to set her on fire. Finally, a family member couldn’t stand it anymore and, when the abuser left , untied her and slipped her a cell phone. She called 911 and is now in a safe place. She is incredibly courageous, but she’s still extremely afraid.”

—Massachusetts Advocate

“A victim was beaten so badly by her abuser, she was hospitalized for three days. She came to our shelter today and reunited with her children. The abuser has not been located, but he sends her text messages telling her that he will find her to finish the job.”

—North Carolina Advocate

“A young woman with a 2-day-old baby called today requesting shelter. She didn’t want to go home because her abuser had beaten her just before she went into labor.”

—Missouri Advocate

“We have an client who is battling breast cancer but her health insurance is covered through her abusive husband, and she’s not eligible for free or low-cost healthcare. She feels trapped because without his medical insurance she’ll die, but if she returns to him, she fears she’ll die from the abuse instead.”

—Texas Advocate

“A caller asked me today if I knew of a safe bridge she could sleep under.”

—Oregon Advocate

Enough for today.