Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence is a
violent confrontation between family or household members involving physical
harm, sexual assault, or fear of physical harm. Family or household members
include spouses / former spouses, those in (or formerly in) a dating
relationship, adults related by blood or marriage, and those who have a
biological or legal parent-child relationship.
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Worldwide, 40-70%
of all female murder victims are killed by an intimate partner.
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In no country in
the world are women safe from this type of violence. Out of ten counties
surveyed in a 2005 study by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 50
percent of women in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Peru and Tanzania reported having
been subjected to physical or sexual violence by intimate partners, with
figures reaching staggering 71 percent in rural Ethiopia. Only in one country
(Japan) did less than 20 percent of women report incidents of domestic
violence. An earlier WHO study puts the number of women physically abused by
their partners or ex-partners at 30 percent in the United Kingdom, and 22
percent in the United States.
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In 2006, 89
countries had some form of legislative prohibition on domestic violence,
including 60 countries with specific domestic violence laws, and a growing
number of countries had instituted national plans of action to end violence
against women. In 2003, only 45 countries had specific laws on domestic
violence.
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Around the world
at least one woman in every three has been beaten, forced into sex, or
otherwise abused in her lifetime. Most often the abuser is a member of her own
family.
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In all, women are
victims of intimate partner violence at a rate about 5 times that of males.
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In the US,
domestic violence is most prominent among women aged 16 to 24.
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In the US, poorer
women experience significantly more domestic violence than higher income women.
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It is estimated
that of all women killed in 2012, almost half were killed by intimate partners
or family members.
Domestic Violence not only affects the victim but the people around
for example children, family, friends, etc. Here are some ways you can help
them
How can you help a friend or family member?
♥ ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY
ARE IN A VERY DIFFICULT AND SCARY SITUATION, BE SUPPORTIVE AND LISTEN.
Let them know that the abuse is not their fault. Reassure them that
they are not alone and that there is help and support out there. It may be
difficult for them to talk about the abuse. Let them know that you are
available to help whenever they may need it. What they need most is someone who
will believe and listen.
♥ BE NON-JUDGMENTAL.
Respect your friend or family member’s decisions. There are many
reasons why victims stay in abusive relationships. They may leave and return to
the relationship many times. Do not criticize their decisions or try to guilt
them. They will need your support even more during those times.
♥ IF THEY END THE
RELATIONSHIP, CONTINUE TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF THEM.
Even though the relationship was abusive, your friend or family
member may still feel sad and lonely once it is over. They will need time to
mourn the loss of the relationship and will especially need your support at
that time.
♥ ENCOURAGE THEM TO
PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
Support is critical and the more they feel supported by people who
care for them, the easier it will be for them to take the steps necessary to
get and stay safe away from their abusive partner. Remember that you can call
the hotline to find local support groups and information on staying safe.
♥ HELP THEM DEVELOP A
SAFETY PLAN.
Check out our information on creating a safety plan for wherever
they are in their relationship — whether they’re choosing to stay, preparing to
leave, or have already left.
♥ ENCOURAGE THEM TO TALK
TO PEOPLE WHO CAN PROVIDE HELP AND GUIDANCE.
Find a local domestic violence agency that provides counseling or
support groups. Call us at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) to get a referral to one of
these programs near you. Offer to go
with them. If they have to go to the police, court or lawyer’s office, offer to
go along for moral support.
♥ REMEMBER THAT YOU CANNOT
“RESCUE” THEM.
Although it is difficult to see someone you care about get hurt,
ultimately they are the one who has to make the decisions about what they want
to do. It’s important for you to support them no matter what they decide, and
help them find a way to safety and peace.
For Help Visit or call:
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1-800-799-SAFE
(7233)
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911
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http://www.thehotline.org/
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