Abuse Is Pervasive In American Society Today.
Domestic violence is an epidemic that affects thousands of people every year. This abuse can be physical, emotional, economic, or sexual in nature. While victims are predominantly women, children--and even some men--are abused by parents, partners, or others. Domestic violence is often more than an isolated incident. It is a recurring cycle of violence that usually increases in severity over time. Unfortunately, many people do not realize the abuse they are living with is domestic violence and, as a result, do not seek help. Others know they are living in fear but do not know help is available.
Domestic violence causes more injury to women than car accidents, mugging, and rapes combined—and a woman in the US is either assaulted or beaten every nine seconds.
According to studies, it is believed that nearly 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence every year. And, contrary to some popular beliefs, abused women are not all from an under-class of society. Women—and children—are abused by men from all economic and professional groups. Doctors, policemen, factory workers, bankers, white-collar workers, and even ordained ministers abuse their families or lovers on a regular basis.
Because the abusers are able to convince their victims that the victims are the cause of every problem in the relationship, victims often are reluctant to report abuse. And because children have no power in such situations, they are the most innocent of victims.
Abuse shelters offer counsel and safety to victims, and most counties across the USA have their own shelters. To find out where they are located, call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-4673, or Google“Domestic Violence Shelters” on the Internet.
Because victims of abuse are ashamed, they often do not confide in even their most loved family members. If you know of such a victim—especially a defenseless child—please urge that person to call for help.
Domestic violence causes more injury to women than car accidents, mugging, and rapes combined—and a woman in the US is either assaulted or beaten every nine seconds.
According to studies, it is believed that nearly 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence every year. And, contrary to some popular beliefs, abused women are not all from an under-class of society. Women—and children—are abused by men from all economic and professional groups. Doctors, policemen, factory workers, bankers, white-collar workers, and even ordained ministers abuse their families or lovers on a regular basis.
Because the abusers are able to convince their victims that the victims are the cause of every problem in the relationship, victims often are reluctant to report abuse. And because children have no power in such situations, they are the most innocent of victims.
Abuse shelters offer counsel and safety to victims, and most counties across the USA have their own shelters. To find out where they are located, call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-4673, or Google“Domestic Violence Shelters” on the Internet.
Because victims of abuse are ashamed, they often do not confide in even their most loved family members. If you know of such a victim—especially a defenseless child—please urge that person to call for help.