National Domestic Violence Project
Facts You Should Know About Domestic Violence:
Definition of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of coercion that can include repeated battering and injury, psychological abuse, sexual assault, progressive social isolation, deprivation and intimidation. This violence spans all racial, ethnic, religious, educational and socioeconomic lines.
General Review of the Dynamics of Domestic Violence
– Domestic violence is a pattern of coercion that can include repeated battering and injury, psychological abuse, sexual assault, progressive social isolation, deprivation and intimidation
– Over five million women a year are affected by domestic violence in the United States; over one million victims require medical attention
– In the United States, a woman is beaten every nine seconds by an intimate or former partner
– 75 percent of women who are in an abusive relationship receive battering to their face and head area
– Women are more often victims of domestic violence than victims of burglary, muggings or other physical crime combined
– Women who leave their batterers are at 75 percent greater risk of severe injury or death than those who stay
– 42 percent of murdered women in the United States are killed by their intimate partners
AAFPRS is Taking a Stand
The American Academy of Facial Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) is the first surgical group to take a firm stand and become involved in helping individuals of Domestic Violence break the cycle of violence, enhance their self esteem and rebuild their lives. Many survivors of domestic violence receive facial injuries adequately repaired. The AAFPRS offers consultation and surgery, pro-bono, to eligible individuals.
We, at the foundation, also realize that the facial cosmetic surgery that our doctors perform will not alleviate the emotional scars that these individuals carry at all times. Therefore, we developed a partnership with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), which is the umbrella group for the majority of shelters in this country. In addition, the American Medical Association has enthusiastically endorsed our program.
Everyday, we work hand-in-hand with shelters making sure that the individuals is helped emotionally; the next step is to repair affected facial features, hopefully eliminating the painful memories of the abuse.
The AAFPRS is a leader in the medical field by helping empower individuals who have been physically abused. The problem of domestic violence is vast. While we can’t change the world, we can change the world for one person and that is exactly what our surgeons are doing.
The National Domestic Violence Project
Advocates and/or survivors call a toll-free number, 1-(800) 257-4766, or apply online to participate in or inquire about the Face-to-Face project. During their initial call, survivors are screened to determine if their injuries are a result of domestic violence, if they are out of the abusive situation, and to obtain a brief description of injuries sustained.
The survivor is given the name of a program in their local area and advised to call an advocate at the program to set up a face to face appointment. There are two purposes to this appointment: to receive verification from an independent source that the injuries are due to domestic violence, and to ensure that all participants in the program are connected with a local domestic violence program. It is anticipated that individuals requesting services will have been out of the violent situation for at least one year.
The survivor and the advocate meet to complete the necessary paperwork. The paperwork is sent to NCADV and then to the AAFPRS. AAFPRS will contact the survivor to refer him or her to a local participating surgeon.
Eligibility Guidelines
– Women, men, and children who are survivors of domestic violence.
– An individual’s injuries must be on their head, face, or neck.
– Those who have injuries caused by stranger violence or child abuse (unless injuries are caused by their mother’s abusive partner) do not qualify.
We try to make the process as simple as possible by helping the individual make the changes necessary to move away from the emotional and physical effects of the abuse.
About AAFPRS
The American Academy of Facial Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) is the largest international association of facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons. Its members are certified by their specialty boards to perform surgery of the face, head, and neck. They are dedicated to the highest standards of surgical excellence and patient welfare.
The Educational and Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS Foundation) is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 to stimulate study, research, and scientific advancement of facial cosmetic surgery and all related basic sciences. It is devoted to expanding the knowledge and improving the skills of surgeons dedicated to the training of residents and other young physicians in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The humanitarian programs provide opportunities for the AFPRS surgeons to give freely of their time in assisting those less fortunate in this country and abroad.
The Foundation is committed to its humanitarian programs; maintaining excellence in the forefront of education and research; expanding existing programs and developing new programs; and identifying areas for research efforts in order to help facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons meet challenges in the future.