Sunday, October 4, 2009

UnSilenced: What is Domestic Violence?



Domestic Violence occurs when one person in an intimate relationship exercises power or controlling behavior against the partner through psychological, physical, verbal, or sexual abuse.

Domestic Violence is a unbiased epidemic. It knows no racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, or educational boundaries. It is impossible to consider a victim of Domestic Violence "typical". Domestic Violence happens everywhere and in every type of relationship.

While Domestic Violence can happen to anyone, including men, it is the leading cause of injury to WOMEN between the ages of 15-44 in the United States.

More women are injured by Domestic Violence in the US, than car accidents, muggings, and rapes, COMBINED.

Dating Violence or Relationship abuse happens between two individuals who are in a dating relationship.

Violent relationships start at an average age of 15.

1 in 3 teenagers will experience physical violence in their dating relationships.

40% of teen-aged girls know someone who has been abused or beaten by a boyfriend.


Physical and or sexual abuse against adolescent girls in dating relationships increases the likelihood that the girl:
  • Will abuse drugs and/or alcohol
  • Develop an eating disorder
  • Consider and/or attempt suicide
Many times we make the mistake of justifying abuse by saying "that is just how they are", or "they always have drama". Sometimes we even find ourselves asking "why doesn't the victim just leave".

What we need to be asking is How can we help her.

It is up to all of us to help recognize, and help end Domestic Violence.

Today's Names of Texas women who were murdered by their intimate partner in 2008
Samantha Herrera, 21 San Antonio d. 10-03-08
Paula Meadows, 35 San Antonio d. 3-25-08
Francisca Mendez, 46 San Antonio d. 11-11-08
Christine Mora, 36 San Antonio - d. 1-26-08
Debbie Perez, 42 San Antonio - d. 02-21-08
Gwendolyn Robinson, 43 San Antonio - d. 09-19-08
Kimberly Tello, 18 San Antonio - d. 12-24-2008

If you are a victim of abuse, or know about abuse happening please call the

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or for other info for your state visit - http://www.ndvh.org/get-help/help-in-your-area/#T


2 comments:

  1. This series is wonderful. Thank you SO much for all you are doing to bring awareness to DV. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for your comment and your welcome. I am inspired by your work on violenceunsilenced.com and the stories of the victims I know and those I will never get a chance to know who have suffered from DV.

    I am glad for the forum you have created, Maggie, and the help you have become in breaking the silence!

    jm

    ReplyDelete

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