“If the numbers we see in domestic violence were applied to terrorism or gang violence, the entire country would be up in arms, and it would be the lead story on the news every night” Rep. Mark Green
It is estimated that there may be up to six million victims of domestic violence each year. One in four women will experience domestic violence within their lifetime, and 3 out of 4 people will know someone who is or was a victim of domestic abuse (Domestic Violence Statistics, 2011).
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), “domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in which on intimate partner uses physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation, and emotional, sexual, or economic abuse to control the other partner in a relationship” (as cited from Glossary-domestic violence). Although women are most commonly the victim, men are also victims of domestic violence. When men and women are separated or divorced they are more likely to be victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence can also turn into murder. In 2000, domestic violence accounted for 30% of murders of women and 5% of murders of men (Domestic Violence Statistics, 2011).
People who are victims of domestic abuse have a hard time coming forward and reporting the abuse that they live through. Society’s view that only women can be victims of domestic violence makes it difficult for most men to get help. To some men admitting that their partner is abusing them is like giving up part of the manhood.
Being a victim of domestic violence has a large impact on a person’s life, whether they are a man or woman. They can suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder which can come in the form of “flashbacks, significant anxiety, depression and fatigue” (Domestic Violence). Other reactions to the violence may include anger, embarrassment, chronic physical complaints, substance abuse, hyper vigilance, social withdrawal, and low self-esteem (Domestic Violence).
Living through domestic violence can lead to psychological disorder called Battered Woman Syndrome. It was first thought to only apply to women, hence the word “woman” in the name, yet it can also apply to men and children who are abused. With the disorder women go through stages. The first stage is denial, when the person will not admit that there is a problem. They justify each action in their head. The next stage is guilt where the person blames their self for the problem. The third stage is enlightenment where the person realizes that the abuse they are living through is not their fault, and should not be happening, yet they still remain with their partner. The last step is responsibility where the person decides that they are not going to allow their partner to abuse them anymore (Psychology).
With Battered Woman Syndrome there are two main outcomes the can happen. The first outcome is when the person decides they are no longer going to let the abuse occur, they leave the situation. They move out of the home or end the relationship so the abuser can no longer hurt them. The second outcome is what led to the discovery of this disorder. The person may see no way out of their situation besides harming or killing the abuser.
Domestic violence is something that effects more people than some realize. A couple that seems happy on the outside could be hiding a terrible secret and more should be done to help these victims stand up for themselves and stop the abuse.
References
Domestic violence. The National Center for Victims of Crime. Retrieved from http://www.ncvc.org/
ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32347.
Domestic violence statistics. (2011).Domestic Violence Resource Center. Retrieved from
http://www.dvrcor.org/domestic/violence/resources/C61/.
Glossary- domestic violence. Sloan Work and Family Research Network. Retrieved from
http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/glossary_entry.php?term=Domestic%20Violence,%20Definition%28s%
29%20of&area=All.
Psychology of the battered woman syndrome. Women’s Rural Advocacy Programs. Retrieved from
http://www.letswrap.com/dvinfo/psych.htm.
Domestic violence is a terrible crime, especially since many continue to stay in an abusive situation because they feel they have nothing else. One of my close friends was abused by her boyfriend who she lived with. She continued to defend him to myself and our other friends, and blame the abuse on something she had done to make him mad, until one day when he put her in the hospital. The next day she packed up her things and moved in with one of our other friends. Even after he put her in the hospital she did not want to get the police involved. I think this is similar to what you were saying about “Battered Woman Syndrome.” She had finally made the decision to leave him but still did not want him to get in any trouble with the law.
ReplyDeleteDomestic violence is an unfortunate crime most women will have to face according to the statistics in your blog. Domestic violence is a very tricky event for all sides; family, law enforcement and the partners. Partners can go from contacting law enforcement to wishing law enforcement had not shown up due to mandatory arrest in CA. This is such a big crime there have been an exception to the search and seizure law for entering a residence.
ReplyDeleteDomestic crime and violence affects so many people a year and it is horrible to see such statistics. Especially seeing this happen within families. It breaks my heart to hear stories about domestic violence in family homes. Battered Woman Syndrome is a very serious issue that does happen often throughout the world, more then many think. It is hard for women to deal with this problem. With no help from outside sources, battered women tend to slowly deteriorate with time. Many women don't get a change to get out of the violence.
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