Domestic violence is not a private matter. Behind closed doors it is shielded and hidden and it only intensifies. It is protected by silence – everyone's silence.
Most people find the idea of violence against women – and sometimes, though rarely, against men - abhorrent, but do nothing to challenge it. More women and children will continue to experience domestic violence unless we all speak out against it.
Domestic violence is a growing problem in the U.S. and seems to only be getting worse. Nearly one-third of American women (31 percent) report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives, according to a Commonwealth Fund survey. That is such an incredible number, its just unimaginable that so many women fall victim to this terrible crime. This is a problem that needs attention. Women need to become more educated about domestic violence so that they are able to get out before they get hurt, or before the violence escalates.
On average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in this country every day. In 2000, 1,247 women were killed by an intimate partner. The same year, 440 men were killed by an intimate partner. (Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief, Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001, February 2001) This is unacceptable and we need to work together as a strong, powerful force and help put a stop to this.
If you or someone you know think that you are in an abusive relationship I urge you go to family, friends or a counselor and figure out a plan to get out. If you don't know the warning signs here are a few:
INTRUSION: Constantly asks you where you are going, who you are with, etc.
ISOLATION: Insists that you spend all or most of your time together, cutting you off from friends and family.
POSSESSION AND JEALOUSY: Accuses you of flirting/having sexual relationships with others; monitors your clothing/make-up.
NEED FOR CONTROL: Displays extreme anger when things do not go his way; attempts to make all of your decisions.
UNKNOWN PASTS / NO RESPECT FOR WOMEN: Secretive about past relationships; refers to women with negative remarks, etc.
Is overly sensitive - acts 'hurt' when not getting one's way, takes offense when others disagree with an opinion, gets very upset at small inconveniences that are just a normal part of life. Gets very serious with boyfriends/girlfriends very quickly - saying "I love you" very early in the relationship, wanting to move in together or get engaged after only a few months, or pressuring partner for a serious commitment.
If you would like more information about domestic violence or you would like to help put a stop to domestic violence visit the site below. Please if you are seeking help use a safe computer or call from a safe place.
National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or go to the website http://www.ndvh.org
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Domestic Violence is real, it happens everyday. In one year alone it is estimated that 960,000 incidents of domestic violence against a current or former spouse boyfriend or girlfriend per year to three million women are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend per year.
Domestic violence is one of the most unreported crimes because it often goes unknown. The victims are afraid to speak out because of what could happen to them or their family.
Have you or someone you know ever experienced domestic violence?
Domestic violence is one of the most unreported crimes because it often goes unknown. The victims are afraid to speak out because of what could happen to them or their family.
Have you or someone you know ever experienced domestic violence?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Congresswoman Speaks Out Against Domestic Violence
So, I recently came across an issue of Latina Voices featuring California Congresswoman Loretta Sánchez in which she addresses the issue of Domestic Violence. I have decided to share with you some of the information with you in this post.
In case you are unfamiliar with Loretta Sánchez let me begin by stating that she has made protecting families from domestic violence a priority for the entirety of her seven terms on Capitol Hill. As one of only 74 females serving in the 435-member House of Reprehensive — and one of just seven Latinas — Sánchez has spearheaded the zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse in the military and established the Family Justice Center in her home district in Orange County. The center offers help in English and Spanish for victims of domestic abuse. he 49-year-old Democrat serves as vice-chair of the House Homeland Security Committee and on the 10-member bicameral Economic Committee, which monitors such national vital signs as unemployment, foreclosures and interest rates.
Currently she is on a mission to educate the public on the correlation between domestic violence and poverty. She says that when people have financial problems, that’s when domestic violence increases. Seventy percent of the reasons people fight within a marriage has to do with financial reasons.
She says that in Latino/a cultures domestic violence is not more acceptable, but it is less talked about, so when it happens less help is available. She says the biggest thing is educating the community. Violence, domestic violence, is allowed to happen because people don’t speak up and say “Stop it already!” Women are afraid to say something because it’s quote “part of the Hispanic culture.”
Part of the challenge for the Hispanic culture, she says, is when we look at the studies, the first ones to be let go at jobs are usually minorities and women. Hispanics tend to lose their jobs sooner, more widely and they begin with lower income anyway, so they are probably stretched even further at this point. Many Hispanics families, especially new immigrant families, face even bigger stress factors. For example, they might have a family member who does not have the right documentation and is forced to leave the country.
In the end, she concludes that she knows the effect it has on a family and the effect it has on a woman. She also understands the effect it has on children. "We just need to work to stop it. We need to have the tools available to those women who are strong enough to move out of that situation and want to change," she says.
In case you are unfamiliar with Loretta Sánchez let me begin by stating that she has made protecting families from domestic violence a priority for the entirety of her seven terms on Capitol Hill. As one of only 74 females serving in the 435-member House of Reprehensive — and one of just seven Latinas — Sánchez has spearheaded the zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse in the military and established the Family Justice Center in her home district in Orange County. The center offers help in English and Spanish for victims of domestic abuse. he 49-year-old Democrat serves as vice-chair of the House Homeland Security Committee and on the 10-member bicameral Economic Committee, which monitors such national vital signs as unemployment, foreclosures and interest rates.
Currently she is on a mission to educate the public on the correlation between domestic violence and poverty. She says that when people have financial problems, that’s when domestic violence increases. Seventy percent of the reasons people fight within a marriage has to do with financial reasons.
She says that in Latino/a cultures domestic violence is not more acceptable, but it is less talked about, so when it happens less help is available. She says the biggest thing is educating the community. Violence, domestic violence, is allowed to happen because people don’t speak up and say “Stop it already!” Women are afraid to say something because it’s quote “part of the Hispanic culture.”
Part of the challenge for the Hispanic culture, she says, is when we look at the studies, the first ones to be let go at jobs are usually minorities and women. Hispanics tend to lose their jobs sooner, more widely and they begin with lower income anyway, so they are probably stretched even further at this point. Many Hispanics families, especially new immigrant families, face even bigger stress factors. For example, they might have a family member who does not have the right documentation and is forced to leave the country.
In the end, she concludes that she knows the effect it has on a family and the effect it has on a woman. She also understands the effect it has on children. "We just need to work to stop it. We need to have the tools available to those women who are strong enough to move out of that situation and want to change," she says.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
