Domestic violence and child abuse are two very sensitive topics. Yet, October is dedicated to helping people become aware of these two types of abuse and how to recognize an abusive relationship. Domestic violence touches the lives of people regardless of nationality, creed, race, language, gender, age, orientation or religion.
According to dvam.org, The Domestic Violence Awareness Project supports the right of all women and girls to live in peace and dignity. Violence of all other communities of women and their circumstance must be eliminated.
Here are some Fast Facts on Domestic Violence taken from www.clarkprosecutor.org.
Battering on women is the most under reported crime in America.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States; more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
In the United States are beaten in their homes each year by their husbands, ex-husbands, or male lovers.
One woman is beaten by her husband or partner every 15 seconds in the United States.
About 1 out of 4 women are likely to be abused by a partner in her lifetime. Approximately 95 percent of the victims of domestic violence are women.
Police report that between 40 percent and 60 percent of the calls they receive, especially on the night shift, are domestic violence disputes.
Battering occurs among people of all races, ages, socio-economic classes, religious affiliations, occupations, and educational backgrounds.
Fifty percent of all homeless women and children in this country are fleeing domestic violence.
A battering incident is rarely an isolated event.
Battering tends to increase and become more violent over time.
Many batterers learned violent behavior growing up in an abusive family.
Twenty five percent – forty five percent of all women who are battered are battered during pregnancy.
Domestic violence does not end immediately with separation. Over 70 percent of the women injured in domestic violence cases are injured after separation.
Domestic violence is not only physical and sexual violence but also psychological. Psychological violence means intense and repetitive degradation, creating isolation, and controlling the actions or behaviors of the spouse through intimidation or manipulation to the detriment of the individual.
Hotlines are available and have been seen Oct. 1987, which was the first domestic violence awareness month.
According to the Web site, http://dvam.vawnet.org, programs conducted can vary from each group, although there are three common themes: mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence.
Domestic violence can cause the homes of many families to become places of fear, hopelesness, and desperation.
If anyone is a victim or if one has a friend who is involved in a domestic violence relationship it is important to speak out and seek help before it is too late.
You can also visit the Domestic Violence website, (dvam.vawnet.org) if you feel like you may be a victim and would like more advice concerning what to do, and you can also get advice if you feel a loved one may be suffering due to domestic violence.
Ronni Cain is a fourth-year student majoring in English with a minor in journalism. She can be reached at RC631645@wcupa.edu.