Domestic Violence
Heather O’Banion
Ms. Moermond
English 125
June 11, 2012
Domestic Violence Each day, the statistics on domestic violence get more and more horrifying. A woman is beaten every 9 seconds, 22 to 35 percent of emergency room visits from women are because of ongoing partner abuse, and every day in the US at least 3 women are killed by their husbands or boyfriends. Also domestic violence is the leading cause of injuries to women, more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined. All these statistics prove that domestic violence is a big problem in our country, and these are only the reported incidents, most do not get reported.
Battering in a relationship is the establishment of control and fear through violence and other forms of abuse. The batterer will use acts of violence and goes through a series of behaviors, including intimidation, threats, psychological abuse, isolation, etc. to control the other person. The violence in the relationship may not happen often but it remains a hidden and terrorizing factor.
There are various types of abuse, most people think that the physical abuse is the most obvious but most abusers will hurt the person in a place that can be covered easily. The abused person may wear long sleeves when it hot or makeup to cover up bruises. The victim may make up excuses for their injuries because they are embarrassed or ashamed of what has happened. The list of injuries can be anywhere from bruises to broken bones and even death. Annually in the United States $1.4 billion is spent on medical bills for domestic violence victims. (National Public Research Services Institute 1994)
Mental or physiological abuse is also very damaging to the victim. With mental abuse the abuser will make the victim feel like they are worthless, not good at anything, stupid, and lucky to have someone that will put up with them. The abuser will also make threats to hurt or kill the victim or someone who is close to them as a means of control.
Ms. Moermond
English 125
June 11, 2012
Domestic Violence Each day, the statistics on domestic violence get more and more horrifying. A woman is beaten every 9 seconds, 22 to 35 percent of emergency room visits from women are because of ongoing partner abuse, and every day in the US at least 3 women are killed by their husbands or boyfriends. Also domestic violence is the leading cause of injuries to women, more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined. All these statistics prove that domestic violence is a big problem in our country, and these are only the reported incidents, most do not get reported.
Battering in a relationship is the establishment of control and fear through violence and other forms of abuse. The batterer will use acts of violence and goes through a series of behaviors, including intimidation, threats, psychological abuse, isolation, etc. to control the other person. The violence in the relationship may not happen often but it remains a hidden and terrorizing factor.
There are various types of abuse, most people think that the physical abuse is the most obvious but most abusers will hurt the person in a place that can be covered easily. The abused person may wear long sleeves when it hot or makeup to cover up bruises. The victim may make up excuses for their injuries because they are embarrassed or ashamed of what has happened. The list of injuries can be anywhere from bruises to broken bones and even death. Annually in the United States $1.4 billion is spent on medical bills for domestic violence victims. (National Public Research Services Institute 1994)
Mental or physiological abuse is also very damaging to the victim. With mental abuse the abuser will make the victim feel like they are worthless, not good at anything, stupid, and lucky to have someone that will put up with them. The abuser will also make threats to hurt or kill the victim or someone who is close to them as a means of control.