Domestic Violence…….A Silent Battle

Domestic Violence…….A Silent Battle
by Amy N. Watson


If you ever hear someone mention, “I can’t go on, she doesn’t deserve to live,” never take it lightly. Statements of this sort are early signs of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is a serious problem. It is the most common cause of injury to women ages 15 to 44. Victims may suffer physical injuries such as bruises or broken bones. They may suffer emotionally from depression, anxiety or social isolation.
It is hard to know exactly how common domestic violence is, because people often don't report it. There is no typical victim. It happens among people of all genders, ages, cultures, and religious backgrounds. It also affects those of all levels of socioeconomic and education.

Between 2 and 4 million women are annually victimized by domestic violence. Most children in homes which domestic violence occurs witness that abuse and suffer secondary psychological effects, including aggressive behavior and depression. Male children who witness abuse are more likely to become abusers themselves as adults, creating a vicious, intergenerational cycle of violent behavior. (ABA Domestic Violence Commission).

Increased public and legal awareness, along with improved community resources have enabled many people to recognize the warning sign of domestic violence and how to get help. These resources include hotlines such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233), shelters or safehouses.

Safehouses are full-service domestic violence and sexual assault centers that provide emergency shelter and comprehensive support services to victims. According to Ms. Latners, Director of My Mother’s Daughter’s, Inc. located in Atlanta, GA, her facility acquires an average of 12 women per month. "The mission of the safehouse is to provide counseling, job placement/training, rehabilitation needs, and housing relocation. The victim can occupy the facility up to 120 days at a time depending of the serverity of the situation. There have been incidents where victims have been released from the safehouse due to a breach of confidentialty, where they have either contacted their abuser, or have had some kind of contact with the outside community, putting others at risk." Some of the criteria that must be meet for a victim to be granted access into the safehouse is:

1) A victim must be in immediate danger,

2) Must be willing to file a police report and temporary order

3) Submitt to a full drug, mental and health screening.

In conclusion, Domestic Violence should not happen to anyone. If you suspect someone you know is in an abusive relationship, take charge, review the red flags of domestic violence and offer assistance. Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of spousal abuse is the first step to breaking free.