Domestic Violence Misconceptions
Misconceptions of Domestic Violence Victims
Domestic violence accounts for 15% of crimes each year according to the Pew Research Center. Violence can erupt in different facets; physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse. It doesn’t discriminate based on race, gender, nationality, or economic status. So why do victims stay?
“People should just leave, I mean just walk out. I don’t see why not” said Kamry Benett, student at Towson University. Kamry like many others have a common misconception that victims choose to stay, instead of leaving freely.
However, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence points out that each case is complex. Victims know their abusers at a great extent and fear of retaliation against them, …show more content…
It’s more complex. A national study from 2003 to 2009, found that 20% of homicides were from family, friends, or bystanders, that intervened on behalf of the victims.
Another misconception is tied to the first. People believe that after victims leave their abusers, they enter a green safe zone. To the contrary, they become endangered. Threats of or actual separations spark abusers to react violently, at times leading victims to their tomb.
So how do we help?
Presenter Leslie Morgan Steiner from Ted Talks speaks against domestic violence not as a statistician but as a victim herself. Lack of exposure to domestic violence kept her in denial despite numerous physical abuse. The unveiling of her truth came after a severe beating, causing her to break her silence.
Breaking her silence was her escape. She decided to let everyone know, her family and the police, who became her immediate support network. Her call to action, speak out.
Don’t be afraid of speaking about domestic violence. Raising awareness is crucial. Many resources are available to learn more as well as sources to help victims of domestic violence. Most importantly, recognize that abusers are not labeled. They live and breath the same air but are not above the
Domestic violence accounts for 15% of crimes each year according to the Pew Research Center. Violence can erupt in different facets; physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse. It doesn’t discriminate based on race, gender, nationality, or economic status. So why do victims stay?
“People should just leave, I mean just walk out. I don’t see why not” said Kamry Benett, student at Towson University. Kamry like many others have a common misconception that victims choose to stay, instead of leaving freely.
However, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence points out that each case is complex. Victims know their abusers at a great extent and fear of retaliation against them, …show more content…
It’s more complex. A national study from 2003 to 2009, found that 20% of homicides were from family, friends, or bystanders, that intervened on behalf of the victims.
Another misconception is tied to the first. People believe that after victims leave their abusers, they enter a green safe zone. To the contrary, they become endangered. Threats of or actual separations spark abusers to react violently, at times leading victims to their tomb.
So how do we help?
Presenter Leslie Morgan Steiner from Ted Talks speaks against domestic violence not as a statistician but as a victim herself. Lack of exposure to domestic violence kept her in denial despite numerous physical abuse. The unveiling of her truth came after a severe beating, causing her to break her silence.
Breaking her silence was her escape. She decided to let everyone know, her family and the police, who became her immediate support network. Her call to action, speak out.
Don’t be afraid of speaking about domestic violence. Raising awareness is crucial. Many resources are available to learn more as well as sources to help victims of domestic violence. Most importantly, recognize that abusers are not labeled. They live and breath the same air but are not above the