“Recent bad economic news has prompted numerous media inquiries about the link between the downturn in the economy and a rise in domestic violence.This type of violence crosses all social and economic boundaries, and the local violence advocates are gravely concerned for the safety of battered victims and their children who now have fewer options and resources as the abuse escalates and the funding for local domestic violence programs dwindle.”

Abuse:

Abused partners are afraid to communicate their feelings and needs, as their abusers use many ways to isolate, intimidate and control them. Abuse can sometimes trigger suicide attempts, psychotic episodes, homelessness and slow recovery from mental illness. Abuse or battering is a system of behaviors to control another person’s actions and feelings; also, this can begin, continue and even increase during pregnancy. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence.

Family:

Some examples of abuse include: name-calling or putdowns keeping a partner from contacting their family or friends withholding money stopping a partner from getting or keeping a job actual or threatened physical harm sexual assault stalking and intimidation. Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc. The family’s life becomes a cycle of violence. All children are traumatized by witnessing violence in their home and family. We also know that women who come from a family in which they witnessed their mother being battered are more susceptible to developing what is called “battered women’s syndrome” and this can sometimes surface later in life unexpectedly.

Victims:

Victims of violence in the home, can be of any age, sex, race, culture, religion, education, employment or marital status. Although both men and women can be abused, most victims are women. Can men be the victims of domestic violence? Yes they can… It’s rare but it happens, and when it does, it’s more psychological then physical, but that doesn’t mean it is any less traumatizing. We know that many men who are abusive witnessed their mothers being abused and many were victims of physical abuse themselves.

Many programs around the country can attribute their overflowing shelters and waiting lists to the financial hardships currently confronting victims and their abusers.

Support groups for victims can also help you maintain a commitment to living in a nonviolent household. Rebuilding lives affected by domestic violence and sexual assault through advocacy, shelter, counseling, and education

Health:

Health care workers, law enforcement officers, educators, domestic abuse and child welfare organization workers all play overlapping roles in the prevention and intervention of cases of harmful domestic violence. Only recently they’ve recognized domestic violence as a major public health issue. this kind of violence has a long, dark past, and is firmly entrenched in many societies. Most communities have anger management or men’s treatment programs that can be found through the mental health services agency. Marriage and family therapists are the mental health professionals who treat a wide array of disorders, working with individuals, couples, and families. Nonetheless, many domestic violence survivors do not need mental health treatment and many symptoms resolve once they and their children are safe and have support.

As Maryland’s state coalition, the Network works together with local domestic violence programs as well as criminal justice and law enforcement personnel, legal advocates, health care and social service providers, clergy, educators, businesses, community groups, and concerned individuals to promote a coordinated community response to end violence. They also teach healthy relationships and safe dating to junior and senior high school students. Each year, domestic violence costs over $4 billion in healthcare costs and billions more in workplace absenteeism and lost productivity.

Resources:

Find out about resources for battered women in your communities. Those victims with fewer resources or greater perceived vulnerability are experiencing physical or psychiatric disabilities. And most of them are living below the poverty line, and are at even greater risk for domestic violence and lifetime abuse. Our advocates provide court accompaniment and guidance on how to connect with community resources and information. How are domestic violence programs leading the way? By working with, and addressing, immigrant community needs and resources. We should be gravely concerned for the safety of all battered victims and their children

My Thoughts, and Observations:

Domestic violence is all too common in American families. It occurs in every culture, country and age group, and this type of violence can lead to other common emotional traumas such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, substance abuse and post traumatic stress disorder. Children in homes where there is violence are more likely to be abused and/or neglected. And only recently recognized this type of violence as a major public health issue! Its time we all step up to the plate, and do what needs to be done… We need to stand as a witness for all these victims of domestic violence and abuse!

Author Bio

Mark S Weese is based in Athens GA and is a successful writer and entrepreneur in both the offline, and online arenas including the Service and Marketing Industries.

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