Domestic Violence | The Under-Reported, Ignored Epidemic ...

This was written by a client of the Resource Center and was sent to local papers to bring to light the?Domestic Violence?epidemic. We are so thankful for this client?s willingness to voice this issue and commend her for a job well done.?

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Dear Editor,

Did you know?

• Every 9 seconds a woman in the U.S. is assaulted or beaten.
• Females age 20-24 are at the greatest risk of non-fatal intimate partner violence (IPV).
• Each year an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault at the hands of their partner.
• Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence every year.
• Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women, more than automobile accidents, muggings and sexual assaults combined.
• While men can be victims over 85% of domestic abuse victims are female.

Statistics are from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Now after reading these statistics also realize that most cases of domestic violence are never reported to law enforcement.

As we should, we freely support and advocate for Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer and many other issues facing our society today, but we sweep domestic violence under the rug, when if we were to look honestly at our own lives, I?m sure we all know someone who is or has been a victim of abuse.

This is one of the largest epidemics in the U.S. and one of the most widely ignored.? Domestic violence is defined as the willful intimidation, physical aggression or assault, sexual coercion and assault, and/or other behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another.? It is an epidemic affecting people in every community, of every age group, every economic status, race, religion or education.

Violence against women is often embodied by male privilege, coercion, threats, intimidation, blaming, minimizing or denying, name calling, humiliation, insults, manipulation, financial and emotional abuse.? The list is endless.

Perpetrator?s are often very charming, skilled manipulator?s with a chasm between their best behavior, often reserved for the public and their worst behavior, most often saved for their victims. Women and children are most at risk when victims chose to end the relationship with their abuser.

Every woman and child has a right to feel safe in their homes and their communities, to not fear the ones they love, and to be treated with dignity and respect.? Communities need to support healthy relationships and healthy sexuality.

___________________________________

After reading this release, you might find these article helpful:

How You Can Bring Domestic Violence to an End

How to Help A Victim

When Can I Call the Crisis Line?

Source: http://www.helpingservices.org/wordpress/?p=1382

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