No Room for Domestic Violence - Seek Help!

Domestic violence is a very serious issue. It involves physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and financial abuse as well as intimidation and control of another individual. Although women are common victims of domestic violence, with it being the most common cause of injury for those ages 15-44; domestic violence can happen to anyone. Victims may suffer physical injuries such as bruises, broken bones, and gunshot and stab wounds. Domestic violence victims also suffer emotionally, often living in fear of their attacker and being afraid of seeking help. Those who domestically abuse their partners, spouses, or other family members usually instill fear and intimidation in their victims through their words and actions.

Because of the fear of many victims, many cases of domestic violence go unreported. Some of them even end in death-either that of the victim or the victim killing their abuser. In instances where the victim kills the abuser, it can sometimes be hard to prove that they were actually a victim of domestic violence if they never bothered to report it. That's why it is important to report such cases and let others know what you are going through.

Those who are victims of domestic violence should try to formulate a plan that would enable them to escape. Local law enforcement or social service agencies can help you devise such a plan. It's also smart to have a bag packed in the event that you have to leave in a hurry. Be sure to have personal information such as birth certificates, IDs, social security cards, medical records, court papers, and any other items you will need.

Some tips for those who are currently living in domestic violence situations where physical abuse is involved are to stay away from kitchens if possible since there are knives there, avoid bathrooms, closets, or closed in spaces where the attacker can trap you, tell any children not to get in the middle of a fight to try to help because they could get hurt, try to get into a room with a phone or door so you can call for help or escape, seek medical attention and take pictures of any visible injuries, and one of the most important things is to report it to the police. If the police come to your door don't lie and say everything is alright when it isn't. Filing a police report and seeking medical attention when needed can and will help you. Although it's known that restraining orders don't work in all cases, it's worth a try to get one.

Separating yourself from a domestic abuser can be hard and scary since some of them will come after you. But it will do no good to stay and do nothing because the situation is bound to get worse. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse they can call the national Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Sources:

American Bar Association www.abanet.org/tips/dvsafety.html

Medline Plus: Domestic Violence www.nlm.nih.gov

National Domestic Violence Hotline www.ndvh.org