I ran across a post I had written when I first started my blog in March of 2011 and it seems like a good place to start my passion for writing about social issues and inspirational topics. This post goes deep into the soul of a battered woman. The statistics are staggering and still this remains a topic that most people would like to pretend doesn't exist especially the women who are in this situation. Some of you might say, "Why don't they leave their abusers?" A question I don't have an answer for. I think this video and post is a voice for those women who struggle everyday with this "hidden secret"
Domestic Violence-A Hidden Secret
They say a picture is worth a thousand words so, I will let this video speak for itself and just add that according to statistical data obtained from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) domestic violence affects roughly 32 million Americans and this only reflects the number of cases reported. I am so saddened by this issue that I just had to write about it. It is a serious problem that does not get nearly the attention it should. Here is some information that will surely surprise you...it did me.
In the United States 1/3 of domestic violence cases are never reported. Why?
Could it be shame or a lack of confidence that keeps women from speaking out against domestic violence? Or, perhaps the inability of resources designed to protect them from this type of violence in making women feel safe in coming forward for help?
The United States Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. This can be physical with threats of violence, throwing objects, harming pets, unwanted physical contact or rape and murder. Domestic violence can also be psychological involving mental and emotional abuse, economic and social control i.e. controlling victim's money or not allowing contact with friends and family...isolation.
Statistics from the End Abuse Organization states the following:
On average 3 women a day are murdered by husbands or boyfriends. In 2005, 1,181 women were murdered by an intimate partner.
In 2008, the Center of Disease Control published data collected in 2005 that found women experienced 2 million injuries from intimate partners each year.
Nearly 1 in 4 women in the United States reports experiencing violence by a current or former spouse or boyfriend at some point in her life.
Women are more likely than men to be victimized by a current or former intimate partner.
Women represent 84% of spouse abuse victims and 86% of victims of abuse at the hands of a boyfriend or girlfriend and about 3/4 of the persons who commit family violence are male.
The statistics are staggering and I could go on and on. One thing is for sure that no one in this type of situation goes unscathed. 15.5 million children in the United States live in families in which partner violence occurred at least once in the past year and 7 million children live in families in which severe partner violence occurred.
2/3 of the majority of nonfatal intimate partner victimizations of women occur at home. Children under the age of 12 are residents of the households experiencing intimate partner violence in 38% of incidents involving female victims and in a single day in 2008, 16,458 children were living in a domestic violence shelter or transitional housing facility. Another 6,430 children sought services at a non-residential program. This is a social issue that merits more attention than it receives.
How is it that in the United States, a country that prides itself on being a world leader in personal freedom and a guardian of human rights can domestic abuse/violence exist? If the video from the Coalition Against Battered Women: Domestic Abuse does not move you to tears then I don't have a clue what would.
For more info on Domestic Violence http://www.endabuse.org/ and http://domesticviolencestatistics.org .
Unfortunately, this issue like many others that involve women and our rights is grossly underfunded and largely ignored until something tragic happens.
ReplyDeleteThis is an issue I am all too familiar with. It must be part of our conversation as women. Knowledge is power.
Thanks for posting Kris!
Wow! That video. This is such a heartbreaking issue. Here in Europe, the statistics are equally as frightening:
ReplyDelete• Up to six out of every ten women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.
• Domestic violence is the biggest cause of injury and death to women around the globe, killing more women aged 15-44 than cancer, traffic accidents and war. [UN statistics].
• In France, every two hours a woman gets raped, but this number could be higher since not all victims report to the police [Le Figaro, 2011].
• According to official statistics from the Service des droits des femmes et de l’égalité, 140 women died in 2009 in France, victims of domestic violence, every 2.5 days a woman dies from violent behaviors.
These stats make me shudder.
You're off to a really powerful start in your new direction, Kris! Brava!
My heart aches for these women! God Bless you, Kris, for bringing this to the forefront! On a lighter note, thank you for all of your visits and sweet comments @TheDedicatedHouse. As always, it means the world. Hope you're having a grand evening. Toodles, Kathryn
ReplyDeleteI read an article by Patrick Stewart of Startrek and X-Men fame..he as a child witnessed his fathers abuse against his mother all too often...it takes courage for someone like him (or anyone) to address these issues and shine a light on it...talking about it is the first step...
ReplyDeletethank-you Kris for being willing to talk about this sad, sad subject...
best,
maureen
Having worked in the legal profession I am sadly all too aware of the tragic consequences of domestic violence. New legislation can only do so much, women need to feel empowered with a sense of their own worth, and to know that if the need arises help is at hand. In this day and age the back up system to help abused women ( and very often their children) is still woefully inadequate.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately is violence against women a global problem!
ReplyDeleteWomen who are involved shouldn't be silent.
They should use professional help!
Warm regards!
♥ Franka
Thank you for visiting me.. and your sweet words.
ReplyDeleteToo often the cycle of abuse is continuous and continues into the following generation ( for both being victim or abuser). My heart goes out to anyone who finds themselves in such a situation. Many would leave, but like you mentioned fear, shame, not knowing where to turn. may God's Angels keep these women safe and give them the strength they need to change the course of their lives.
I see you are also a Coco Chanel fan! she is among my inspiring women!! and you have a wonderful group of grandchildren. My mother just became a grandmother - my brother and his wife were blessed with little darling last July... they certainly bring wonderful joy!! Many blessings, xo HHL