(Domestic Violence Trigger Warning)
It takes 60 seconds to water a plant, but I bet many of us don’t think of that full minute deeply. But in those same 60 seconds, every 60 seconds, around 20 people are suffering from physical abuse from a close partner. Domestic violence against women has zero boundaries and affects millions of lives worldwide.
No matter the factors women continue to suffer and struggle to leave situations involving domestic abuse. In this blog post, we will shed light on awareness, encourage a safer society, and talk about ways to empower survivors.
I want you to think about the women in your classes, workplace, friends, and family. “1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking,” According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Vision.
Not only do these survivors have to go through these heinous crimes, but there are also many effects suffered post-abuse that are both physical and mental. According to the OASH, Office on Women’s Health, here are some long-term physical/mental effects violence has on women:
People who have never been in that kind of situation tend to ask themselves, “Why don’t they just leave?” But it’s just not that simple, there are several reasons that prevent women from escaping the toxic abuse cycle they are in.
Blaming victims and survivors for staying with their abuser makes the situation worse and as a society, we need to eradicate that stigma and educate ourselves about their obstacles. A woman who is trapped cannot just pack her bags and leave, what if she has children and nowhere to go?
Women’s aid explains abusers are known to isolate their victims from the outside world leaving them nowhere to turn to. Physical abusers also use verbal abuse to shame their victims into keeping quiet.
The fear of leaving a domestic abuse situation is very real. “The abuser may have threatened to kill them or hurt their child, family member, or pet if they leave,” Women Against Abuse explained. Even if you didn’t have children, would you leave your pet if you knew it would suffer the abuse next? Or would you leave if they threatened to harm someone else you love?
If you know someone who is suffering from abuse it is beyond crucial to let them know that you are there for them, and will continue to be there for them every step of the way. Many victims at the time feel isolated by their abusers and need someone to lean on for strength in the complex situation whether they know it or not.
“The focus of the conversation should be on the unhealthy behaviors in the relationship and to provide your friend with a safe space to talk about it.” One Love explained. Victims need a safe space to process and recognize the situation they are going through is abuse no matter the extent, abuse is abuse.
Are aware of what domestic abuse truly entails? Or if someone you love is suffering from abuse? Let's go over some signs of domestic abuse.
Now that we have a better understanding of domestic violence and SOME of the MANY barriers as to why victims do not leave their situation, let’s discuss ways we can make society a safe space for them. There are many online and in-person resources throughout the U.S. that victims of domestic abuse can use for support.
“There are 84 organizations in Ohio that provide domestic violence services at some level,” domesticshelters.org stated. Many states and some local communities have shelters for those experiencing abuse. Organizations such as Access (a non-profit women's and children's homeless shelter in Akron, Ohio) provide housing and programs to get victims and their families back on their feet.
Domestic Violence is a driving cause of homelessness for women. It is important for local communities and cities to have a safe space for women to go to, especially after suffering from domestic abuse. It is even more crucial for women to know where to find these important resources that could save their lives.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers many resources for people suffering from abuse. Information on recognizing/understanding abuse, planning for safety, local resources, and more are offered on thehotline.org.
Although Domestic Violence Awareness Month is just in October, we need to be advocates for all 12 months of the year. Eradicating stigma, educating others, and building a support system for survivors is the first step in the right direction towards raising awareness.
Think of your best friend, a classmate, a cousin, or even your daughter; what would you do to help them if they were in an abusive relationship? Now I want you to think of what we can do as a community to help those who continue to suffer from abuse, and those recovering.
Being a silent bystander is unethical. It is OUR job to look out for one another, educate others, and advocate for those in need in order to create a safe environment. If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, reach out to the links provided below for support.
Online Domestic Abuse Resources:
To help find local domestic violence services near you:
Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
Live Chat
Text “START” to 88788
Call: 1.800.656.HOPE
Live Chat
Call or Text: 1-855-484-2846
Online Chat
Additional information on local resources for victims, trauma, and more.
You have such passion and power to make a difference!!!! Love your work!
Great article Jill! Important information for all to know!