Case for Support
Statistics on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
Case for Support
Understanding the Need: Statistics on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
The Crisis in Our Community
Sexual assault and domestic violence affect thousands of individuals in Allegheny County each year. These statistics help illustrate the scope of the problem and the critical need for accessible legal services. Behind each number are real people facing real challenges—often without the resources they need to achieve safety, stability, and justice.
Understanding the Need: Statistics on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
The Crisis in Our Community
Sexual assault and domestic violence affect thousands of individuals in Allegheny County each year. These statistics help illustrate the scope of the problem and the critical need for accessible legal services. Behind each number are real people facing real challenges—often without the resources they need to achieve safety, stability, and justice.
Sexual Assault in Our Community
- In Allegheny County, over 1,000 cases of sexual assault are reported each year, with experts estimating this represents only a fraction of actual incidents
- Among local universities, 1 in 5 female students experience sexual assault during their college years
- PAAR’s 24-hour crisis hotline receives an average of 5,000 calls per year from individuals seeking support related to sexual assault
50% of sexual assault survivors lose income or face reduced earning potential due to trauma
Domestic Violence in Our Community
- Allegheny County receives approximately 12,000 domestic violence-related 911 calls annually
- In recent years, approximately 15-20% of all homicides in Allegheny County have been related to domestic violence
- Approximately 300-400 individuals seek emergency shelter annually in the Pittsburgh area, with more turned away due to capacity limits
- Domestic violence costs Pennsylvania approximately $156 million per year in law enforcement, legal proceedings, healthcare, and lost productivity
Sexual Assault in Our Community
- In Allegheny County, over 1,000 cases of sexual assault are reported each year, with experts estimating this represents only a fraction of actual incidents
- Among local universities, 1 in 5 female students experience sexual assault during their college years
- PAAR’s 24-hour crisis hotline receives an average of 5,000 calls per year from individuals seeking support related to sexual assault
50% of sexual assault survivors lose income or face reduced earning potential due to trauma
Domestic Violence in Our Community
- Allegheny County receives approximately 12,000 domestic violence-related 911 calls annually
- In recent years, approximately 15-20% of all homicides in Allegheny County have been related to domestic violence
- Approximately 300-400 individuals seek emergency shelter annually in the Pittsburgh area, with more turned away due to capacity limits
- Domestic violence costs Pennsylvania approximately $156 million per year in law enforcement, legal proceedings, healthcare, and lost productivity
Financial Impact to Survivors
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Financial dependence on an abuser is a barrier for around 70% of individuals facing domestic violence Survivors often face impossible choices between safety and financial stability
- Survivors often face impossible choices between safety and financial stability
- Many survivors report depleted savings, damaged credit, and employment disruption as a result of violence
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Legal proceedings add significant financial strain during an already challenging time
The Justice Gap
Access to legal representation is critical for survivors, yet many fall into what we call the “justice gap”:
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- Legal Aid generally serves only those at or below 125% of the federal poverty level (approximately $18,225 for a single person)
- ALICE households (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) earn above the federal poverty level but struggle to meet basic needs due to high living costs and limited financial flexibility
- In Allegheny County, around 25-30% of households fall within the ALICE category
- 60-70% of ALICE families face significant legal needs annually, but less than 20% can afford to hire an attorney for critical issues like family law or protection orders.
Why Legal Representation Matters
For survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, legal representation can be transformative:
- Protection orders are more likely to be granted and enforced
- Custody arrangements better protect children from ongoing exposure to violence
- Financial and housing stability become more achievable
- The cycle of violence is more likely to be broken
Yet without access to affordable legal services, many survivors remain trapped in dangerous situations or face continued victimization through the legal system itself.
Financial Impact to Survivors
-
Financial dependence on an abuser is a barrier for around 70% of individuals facing domestic violence Survivors often face impossible choices between safety and financial stability
- Survivors often face impossible choices between safety and financial stability
- Many survivors report depleted savings, damaged credit, and employment disruption as a result of violence
-
Legal proceedings add significant financial strain during an already challenging time
The Justice Gap
Access to legal representation is critical for survivors, yet many fall into what we call the “justice gap”:
-
- Legal Aid generally serves only those at or below 125% of the federal poverty level (approximately $18,225 for a single person)
- ALICE households (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) earn above the federal poverty level but struggle to meet basic needs due to high living costs and limited financial flexibility
- In Allegheny County, around 25-30% of households fall within the ALICE category
- 60-70% of ALICE families face significant legal needs annually, but less than 20% can afford to hire an attorney for critical issues like family law or protection orders.
Why Legal Representation Matters
For survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, legal representation can be transformative:
- Protection orders are more likely to be granted and enforced
- Custody arrangements better protect children from ongoing exposure to violence
- Financial and housing stability become more achievable
- The cycle of violence is more likely to be broken
Yet without access to affordable legal services, many survivors remain trapped in dangerous situations or face continued victimization through the legal system itself.
Bridging the Gap
Laura’s Light exists to address this critical need by:
- Connecting survivors with qualified pro bono attorneys
- Covering court costs, filing fees, and other legal expenses
- Ensuring financial circumstances never prevent access to justice
- Supporting both survivors and the attorneys who represent them
By offering pro bono legal services specifically to those in the justice gap, Laura’s Light helps middle-income survivors receive necessary legal support without risking financial devastation.
Take Action Today
These statistics reflect a community in need of solutions. By supporting Laura’s Light, you help ensure that survivors have access to the legal representation they deserve, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Take Action Today
These statistics reflect a community in need of solutions. By supporting Laura’s Light, you help ensure that survivors have access to the legal representation they deserve, regardless of their financial circumstances.