The victim could be young or old, male or female. The scourge of domestic violence in this country recognizes no social or demographic boundaries, and its consequences affect everyone.
How big is the problem? The encouraging news is that the United States Department of Justice reports that the number of nonfatal acts of violence declined between 1993 and 1995. In 1993 the rate was almost 6 incidents per thousand, and in 1995 the rate was just over two per thousand.
Domestic Abuse Underreported
Many domestic incidents never get reported, making it difficult to get an accurate count, according to Becky Mabry, assistant editor of “Inside Illinois.” Sometimes women don’t recognize domestic violence for what it is, or they think that nothing can be done about it.
Some women report abuse, then change their mind about pressing charges because they are afraid of repercussions or because they believe the partner has changed for the better.
The public’s attitude toward what it once considered “a family matter” has changed, and domestic violence is seen for what it really is: a crime. Media attention to domestic violence has made the public more aware of the problem, and of the ways in which it affects everyone, including men, women, and children. Television newscasts and radio talk shows have helped to raise the public’s awareness of the prevalence and seriousness of the problem.
Awareness of Domestic Violence
As a result of the growing awareness of the problem, the government, schools, churches, businesses, and individuals are taking action to prevent or stop the devastation cased by this epidemic. The Family Violence Prevention Fund (FUND) is an organization that works to develop innovative ways to combat the problem of domestic violence.
The organization works with judges, law enforcement officers, health care providers, and others, teaching them ways to identify and help victims of domestic violence. One of the functions that FUND undertakes is to collect and disseminate information that shows the effects of domestic violence on children.
They have seen that one-half of the men who abuse their wives also abuse their children. Children who see violence in their homes while they are growing up are more likely to be abusive to their wives and children.
Children who are victims of abuse display a range of behavioral and emotional problems that includes aggression against their peers and family members. One study showed that a history of family violence was the significant difference between delinquent and youths who were not delinquent.
Be Informed About Domestic Violence
What can one person do to help? Don’t look the other way, say experts. Be informed about domestic violence and be prepared to help both victims and perpetrators. Let the person know about any concerns about them and offer to help. Offer to listen, and respect their choices, but be ready to refer them to professionals about safety issues.
A friend can give someone help, but it must be done without risking one's own safety. One can help by offering transportation, a place to stay, child care, financial assistance, or a place to keep a victim’s escape bag, packed with the things she will need when she leaves.
Get involved and help eliminate this shameful scourge. Speak up and set the record straight about any misinformation about domestic violence, or information that minimizes the problem. Help find opportunities for shelter managers, law enforcement officers, and the victims themselves, to speak up and tell the truth at public meetings. The next victim could be one's own relative or friend.
