The thought of domestic violence (DV) is extremely frightening, and at times it just seems unbelievable that someone could hurt someone that they say they love. However, it happens; and it happens more than you would possibly think. According to the most recent data from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by their intimate partner during their lifetime (when accounting for sexual and psychological abuse as well the occurrence of women as victims skyrockets compared to men). This is a major problem, yet domestic violence often goes unnoticed, or ‘ignored’ in a way because it is such a taboo topic. Therefore, it is important to realize that domestic violence
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They often ask the victim, “why didn’t you just leave?” Although this may seem like a harmless question and appears to be common sense, asking this question puts responsibility on the victim as it 's basically saying she had control over the situation. So as observers who desire to be supportive of victims, it is important to understand what goes on in the victim’s mind in regards to why they don’t speak up or leave and help them get out of the situation rather than criticizing their decision to stay. Often times, they are not in control and are often being physically and/or emotionally suppressed by the perpetrator. One situation may be that the abuser has threatened to kill her, her family, friends, children, or himself. Additionally, other common reasons include loving the abuser and believing they will change, having no resources or support to go to if she leaves the relationship, and believing that she did something wrong and deserves the abuse. As a result of these threats and worries, they are afraid -- so afraid that they submit as it seems impossible to get out …show more content…
There may be the ‘restraining orders’, but these are only temporary bandages that solve nothing. Also, as Deanna said, “restraining orders are like last will testaments”, since often women who issue these orders are murdered by their abuser. These restraining orders are ‘invisible constraints’, and in no way can protect the victim. The only positive is that the legal system offers advocates for victims, whom can be important resources and an essential backbone on the road to
They often ask the victim, “why didn’t you just leave?” Although this may seem like a harmless question and appears to be common sense, asking this question puts responsibility on the victim as it 's basically saying she had control over the situation. So as observers who desire to be supportive of victims, it is important to understand what goes on in the victim’s mind in regards to why they don’t speak up or leave and help them get out of the situation rather than criticizing their decision to stay. Often times, they are not in control and are often being physically and/or emotionally suppressed by the perpetrator. One situation may be that the abuser has threatened to kill her, her family, friends, children, or himself. Additionally, other common reasons include loving the abuser and believing they will change, having no resources or support to go to if she leaves the relationship, and believing that she did something wrong and deserves the abuse. As a result of these threats and worries, they are afraid -- so afraid that they submit as it seems impossible to get out …show more content…
There may be the ‘restraining orders’, but these are only temporary bandages that solve nothing. Also, as Deanna said, “restraining orders are like last will testaments”, since often women who issue these orders are murdered by their abuser. These restraining orders are ‘invisible constraints’, and in no way can protect the victim. The only positive is that the legal system offers advocates for victims, whom can be important resources and an essential backbone on the road to