Every 9 seconds a woman in the United States is beaten or assaulted. Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence every year.
"One out of four women will experience domestic violence and women primarily between the ages of 18-24 will be the victims of a sexual assault," said Krystal George, N.C. Central University sexual assault and domestic violence coordinator.
"Many of the women we see are women who have buried their experience and are ready to heal."
In October, which was domestic violence awareness month, the center hosted several campus events to raise awareness about domestic violence.
"As the levels of awareness increase, more women are more comfortable coming forth," said George. "Though there may be a stigma attached to people feeling that the information is not kept confidential, we are here, and it is confidential. There is someone on the campus to help."
According to the National Coalition against Domestic Violence (NCADV), domestic violence includes willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, and sexual assault perpetrated by an intimate partner.
In North Carolina this year, at least 57 reported homicides in which incidents of domestic violence occurred.
The NCCU police department works to prevent the occurrence or re-occurrence of violence in domestic incidents.
Though arrest offers the best potential for ending the cycle of violence, the police department also offers ongoing educational presentations to students to aid prevention.
"Both women and men are the targets of abuse," said Captain Alphonsa White of the NCCU police department. He encourages both women and men to report abuse.
Studies from the National institute of Justice report that: Sexual assaults are most likely to occur in September through November, on weekends between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
Freshmen and sophomores are at greater risk for victimization than juniors and seniors.
It is estimated that for every 1,000 women attending a college or university, there are 35 rapes each academic year.
Less than 5 percent of rapes or attempted rapes against college women are reported to law enforcement.
In two-thirds of the incidents, the victim did tell another person, usually a friend, not family or school officials.
"We know that confidentiality is important," said White. "The Women's Center and the police department are partners. If a crime has been committed, we want you to report it!"
More information on Women's Center services is available at 919-530-6811.
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