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What are the Common Types of Domestic Violence Reported in Pennsylvania?

Published

3 years ago

January 17, 2022

Domestic violence is a serious and prevalent issue that affects one in three women and one in four men across the United States. Data for Pennsylvania is no different, as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that nearly 30% of Pennsylvanian women experience some form of domestic abuse each year.

In the United States, on average, every minute someone is abused by a partner. More than 25,000 phone calls to 9-1-1 were made from abuse victims in 2017 alone in Pennsylvania. This is just one example of the many forms of abuse that happen every day. If you or anyone you know is fighting domestic violence, it would be better to consult a protection from abuse attorney in PA to find a solution to their suffering.

We will now see the most common types of domestic violence charged in Pennsylvania.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse is a form of domestic violence that affects thousands of individuals in Pennsylvania every year. Those who suffer from physical abuse fear for their lives and the lives of the people they love. The rate of physical abuse in Pennsylvania is alarming. According to statistics, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will deal with some form of domestic violence at some point in their lifetime, with an estimated 293,000 victims of domestic violence in Pennsylvania each year.

Sexual assault

Sexual assault is domestic violence reported in Pennsylvania, and this form of abuse continues to plague the state. In many cases, sexual assaults are not reported because victims worry that they won’t be believed or that they will be met with hostility from law enforcement. However, you can report sexual assault to help prevent future crimes and end the cycle of violence.

Emotional abuse

In Pennsylvania, emotional abuse is a form of domestic violence. Emotional abuse is defined as intentional, non-physical behavior which causes emotional harm to another person. It can include behaviors such as stalking, humiliation, and intimidation. The line between ‘normal’ and ‘abusive’ behavior can be difficult to distinguish. Some forms of abuse can be subtle, while others are more noticeable.

Stalking

In Pennsylvania, stalking is a crime that occurs when a person knowingly engages in certain types of conduct with the intent to place or cause another person to feel frightened, threatened, oppressed, persecuted, or intimidated. According to the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines Commission, stalking refers to when a person knowingly engages in certain types of conduct with the intent to place or cause another person to feel frightened, threatened, oppressed, persecuted, or intimidated.

US

Creating Safe Havens: Inside Genesis USA’s Vision for Inclusive Housing

Published

3 days ago

December 3, 2024

Jimmy Lerner

Photo Courtesy of GenesisUSA

GenesisUSA, a nonprofit based in Arlington, Texas, works to improve the lives of disabled veterans and children who have lost their parents. Led by Charles Ford, the organization goes beyond providing financial aid. It focuses on long-term solutions, like building wheelchair-accessible homes, to support independence and dignity for those in need. With rising housing costs and growing inequality, GenesisUSA’s mission addresses a critical gap.

Ford and his team create supportive environments that help promote self-reliance in underserved communities. As a smaller, community-based organization, it addresses challenges that can be difficult for larger organizations to manage. Its work shows how local initiatives can make a noticeable difference.

A Growing Crisis: The Need for Accessible Housing

The demand for affordable and accessible housing continues to grow. A 2023 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimated that more than 11 million U.S. households need homes with accessibility features. This challenge is more pronounced for disabled veterans, with nearly four million living in homes that do not meet their physical needs.

“Our veterans have sacrificed a lot for this country, but many still face housing that doesn’t suit their needs,” Ford says. “Beyond merely providing them shelter, we’re creating a space where they can live comfortably.”

GenesisUSA is responding by building homes designed for accessibility. These houses include ramps, wider doorways, and modified kitchens and bathrooms to allow veterans to live more independently. The organization also plans to create supportive environments for children who have lost their parents, many of whom also face mobility challenges.

Ford’s Community-Driven Leadership at GenesisUSA

Ford’s years of experience in construction and his dedication to charitable work have shaped his leadership at GenesisUSA. He stays closely involved, often meeting veterans and families to learn about their needs firsthand. “For me, it’s about building personal connections,” Ford says. “Large charities sometimes miss the individual stories.”

The community focus defines Ford’s leadership. Although some wonder if a smaller nonprofit can make a meaningful impact, Ford is confident. “We don’t have celebrity endorsements or huge budgets, but we have real relationships with the people we help,” he says. His dedication to grassroots efforts sets GenesisUSA apart from larger, more structured organizations.

GenesisUSA has already helped over 100 people and aims to expand its impact with affordable, accessible housing solutions. One notable feature is the inclusion of a wheelchair-accessible swimming pool, which has received positive feedback. Ford says, “We’re creating spaces where people can enjoy life fully, just like everyone else,” which reflects the organization’s mission to support independence and inclusion.

Building More Than Homes: A Reflection of Hope

Ford looks back on GenesisUSA’s progress with a clear sense of purpose. “We’re not simply building homes, we’re offering hope and building opportunities for independence,” he says. “We’re here to support veterans who face mobility challenges and children who have lost their parents, offering them a chance at a more self-reliant life.”

As the organization’s reach expands, so does its ability to impact lives across the country. Its work embodies Ford’s dedication to ensuring that no one is overlooked. Ford envisions scaling their efforts while maintaining the personalized approach that defines their model.

“We’re still in the early stages,” he notes. “As we grow, we’ll continue to prioritize individual needs. Our success hinges on the improved quality of life for each person we help.”

As the demand for accessible, supportive housing rises, organizations like GenesisUSA play an important role in filling gaps left by larger institutions and government programs. Through its focus on tailored support and community-driven solutions, GenesisUSA is building a model for how smaller nonprofits can significantly impact and address pressing social needs.