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ALBANY, GA. -- The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence survey released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows more than 12 million men and women have fallen victim to rape, physical violence, and/or stalking.

That’s about 24 people per minute.

According to the survey 1 in 3 women report being slapped, pushed or shoved by an intimate partner. And when it comes to more severe violence, 1 in 4 women reportedly suffer at the hands of a close one.

Within the last year Georgia has had 81 victim's die as a result domestic violence. Counselors say when interacting with victims, they find complex reasons as to why they stay.

“A lot of times the victim will choose to stay in order to ensure that there is adequate housing and financial support for her and the children,” said Liberty House Outreach Advocate Clara Knight Lewis.

Lewis has worked with many women and children seeking shelter from violent households. She says from year to year the victims are becoming younger and easier to recognize.

“We have clients that have been in our shelter with their moms. They have siblings or aunts that have been through our system. So we are finding that the numbers are significantly high right now,” said Clara Lewis.

The Albany Police Department’s Crime Analysis for 2011 shows there has been 2075 calls for domestic violence answered by officers. That number is up from the 1892 cases in 2010.

Although not all domestic violence calls are related to violence between intimate partners, experts say it shows a disturbing trend that's growing and men are not excluded.

In the survey, 1 in 7 men are also documented as victims of violence from partners.

Experts are hoping through education they can help bring this trend to an end.

For more information on the study follow the link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.