Domestic violence: 1 in 6 women victimized
Domestic violence is both a national and worldwide crisis.
Within the United States, one out of every four American women will experience violence by an intimate partner sometime during her lifetime; one out of every six women will be raped during her lifetime.
An average twenty eight percent of high school and college students have experienced dating violence. Women between the ages of 16 to 24 are most likely to be victimized by an intimate partner.
Statistics show that a woman is battered every fifteen seconds in the United States. Battering is seen as a set of controlling behaviors and usually the abuser has neither a mental health condition nor a criminal history.
Some cases of domestic violence have attributed to an increase in a “mandatory arrest” policies, in which police are required to make an arrest if there is probable cause that a person has committed domestic violence.
A person arrested for a domestic violence offense will usually be held in jail until he or she appears before a judge.
“Discretion is important in these cases, and also be aware of the shame of the victims,” White said.
White also explained how the pattern of behavior in victims and abusers are seen in young adolescents in middle school.
“They start learning the pattern of behavior at this age, then they continue and believe this is right.” White also says in some instances the victims see the abuser as a father figure and want to fix them.
“The fear of the victims is real. They stay, they have no place to go, and they don’t want to break their home,” said White.
According to white, victims are not the only ones that need help. The abuser needs help to break the habit of this behavior. “It is not an anger issue is more of a power and control issue,” White said.
“Anger is a healthy emotion but when the individual uses that emotion as an instrument, he becomes an abuser. Victims often blame themselves because they don’t follow orders or listen to their partners.
“Ninety-seven percent of the time there is an arrest on a domestic violence scene, and if there are children involved they find someone to stay with them, a neighbor or a family member,” White said.
For victims sometimes it is very hard to escape. “You must have money and a good plan.”
Domestic violence is more common than people would like to think, especially in young people. “The cycle of violence escalates; first there is verbal abuse, then unwanted touching, then sexual abuse,” White said.
An important part of helping the victim cope is to find solutions.
Leah Meyers from the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence explained why it is important to tell abusers that what they are doing is wrong and lead them to Arizona offender treatment programs. These programs are focused on teaching them about their pattern of behavior, and why it is wrong.
Meyers suggested that is very important to listened to the victims, to see what is happening, and if there are children involved, support them every step of the way.
“October is awareness month, there is so much to be done. You can start by getting brochures, put them in your office or in the bathrooms, let people know that is not OK. No one deserves to be abused,” Meyers said.The counseling department at MCC offers help for victims and can be reached at (480) 461-7588.
A national hotline is available 24 hours a day for those who are seeking help against domestic violence at: Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence (602) 279-2900 or 1-800 787-3224.
Early warning signs of an abusive relationship
Identifying early warning signs that your relationship with your partner may be eventually become abusive include:
•Extreme jealousy
•Uses force during an argument
•Unpredictable mood swings
•Alcohol and drug use
•Explosive anger
•Isolates you from friends and family
•Controlling behavior
•Believes in rigid sex roles
•Threatens violence
•Verbally abusive*source: National Coalition Against Domestic Voilence
Volume
44, Issue 4. Today is
Vigil against violence
A candlelight vigil in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness month was held on Oct. 2 at the Clock Tower. Names of victims who passed away from domestic violence were remembered during the vigil during the “Call My Name” portion of the evening.
Michael Kinsey - Mesa Legend