The Issue of Domestic Violence

While many people know the phrase 'domestic violence', most don't realize the scope of the issue nor how many people have been affected by it. According to the Domestic Violence Hotline, an average of 24 people are victims of sexual and physical violence or stalking by their partners every minute. This means that apporoximately 8640 Americans experience domestic violence every day. Additionally, the hotline adds that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims to domestic violence or abuse by their partners over the course of their life. This means that almost everyone knows someone who has experienced domestic violcence, rape, or stalking by a romantic partner alone. Domestic Violence and abuse is far more common than people realize, and yet many don't help or ignore victims or don't deliver justice to the abusers. 

But why isn't domestic violence taken seriously? Well, the LAPD suggests multiple reasons for this; the most prominent one being that victims are scared of not being taken seriously and often aren't, whether by law enforcement or by other loved ones and peers. The LAPD adds that, on the whole, socialization and 'learned helplessness' make victims believe that they must remain with their abusive partner, or even that they deserve such treatment. Of course, victims absolutely deserve to be heard and they never deserve the treatment they recieve, but when one is stuck in a position of weakness or helplessness, it can be hard to see truths.

So, what can be done to help victims of domestic violence and to give abusers what they deserve? The answer is simple: take victims seriously and treat situations of violence and abuse with empathy and justice.  It's easy to ignore harsh realities such as situations of domestic violence; but the truth is, as people, we have to do what is right, not what is easy. If you suspect that you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please use logic as well as empathy and report the situation. The following is a list of warning signs of an abusive partner as per the Domestic Violence Hotline:

1. Telling you that you never do anything right.
2. Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
3. Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with others, particularly friends, family members, or peers.
4. Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
5. Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
6. Controlling finances in the household without discussion, such as taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
7. Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you're not comfortable with.
8. Pressuring you to use drugs or alchol.
9. Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
10. Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
11. Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
12. Destroying your belongings or your home.

If you or a loved one has experienced behavior from a partner, or you suspect that they have, please contact local authorities or the Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233).