Domestic Violence In The News – Every Woman Matters

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The issue of domestic violence slammed its way into most water cooler conversations with the shocking video of Baltimore Ravens’ Ray Rice striking his then-fiancée, Janay Palmer in an elevator in Las Vegas.
As a licensed psychologist and a long-time board member of the Victim Center, I have heard many terrifying personal stories from women seeking shelter from their abusers. The statistics tell an even more powerful story because of the sheer numbers of women they represent. It’s a huge problem, which is why we offer so many helpful and inspiring articles on my foundation’s website, WomenConnect4Good.org.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports more than 31 percent of women in the U.S. have been physically abused by an intimate partner, and an estimated 22.3 percent have experienced severe physical violence on at least one occasion. A recent article in The Washington Post also reports that the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey released staggering numbers in terms of non-physical abuse – reporting that nearly half of women in the U.S. having been subjected to at least one act of psychological or emotional aggression by an intimate partner, including threats and coercion.

Violence Against Women Will No Longer Be Tolerated

This is not okay, and if the NFL’s response to this latest issue with Rice and the public backlash that has followed is any indication, violence against women will no longer be tolerated in any arena. In fact, this incident proves that women are standing by to help one another, no matter what the circumstances, and work together to empower and lift each other up. However, this is not just a gender issue. Finally, men are also outraged, and speaking loud and clear, putting pressure on the NFL to take action on this, and in turn let male athletes and fans know that abusive behavior is NOT okay.

We Need To Be A Voice For Other Women

As this recent evidence proves, domestic violence is a widespread problem that can occur to anyone. Abuse is blind to age, race, geography and socioeconomic status. No one is immune. If it affects one of us, it affects all of us. That is why each of us must raise our voice to help current abuse victims and to stop future violence.

How Can We Help Abuse Victims

It’s important to learn more about domestic violence and the warning signs. The more you know, the easier it will be to recognize it and help friends who may be victims or perpetrators. Some early warning signs include:

  • extreme jealousy
  • controlling behavior
  • threats
  • a history of violent tendencies
  • frequent verbal or emotional insults.

Resources For Women

Services are available for victims and their children in case you or a friend should need help. A local battered women’s shelter, family physician, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or (1-800-787-3224 TTY) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers help and advice, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline website also provides resources.

Every Woman Matters

Lastly, if you are a victim of abuse, do not feel guilty. That is what the abuser wants you to feel. Remember, no matter what he tells you, you did nothing to deserve this kind of treatment. You have worth; you have value and you truly matter to us all.
To read more about the latest surrounding Rice, and the domestic violence statistics that are coming to light, go to The Washington Post. 

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