Understanding Domestic Violence
Understanding Domestic Violence and Its Affects
Heidi L. Shank-Bridges
Liberty University
Abstract
Domestic Violence is a problem of epidemic proportion in the United States. It affects everyone whether they are the victim, the batterer, or a member of society. Domestic Violence comes in the way of multiple forms and has expanded outside of the husband and wife arena, as in years past to now include violence between boyfriend and girlfriend, parent and child, and violence between siblings. In some states domestic violence is defined as violence between a boyfriend and girlfriend who do not live together but do have a child in common. Domestic violence affects every community. Largely affected are the law enforcement officers who are at risk of prospective danger by responding to a domestic violence call. Domestic violence is affecting younger children in grades as low as elementary school through high school. Domestic Violence shelters are available to assist victims; however, while shelters appear to be a capacity for the most part, there is a greater concern for the underutilization of shelters and why, when shelters are available, are they not being used? Is there a cure for this growing problem?
Keywords: domestic violence, shelters, victims,
Domestic violence was at one time thought to be a personal family matter, but it is now considered an issue affecting entire communities both socially and fiscally primarily due to the higher rates of physical health problems received from violent acts from assault, rape and the stress of living in such an environment. The cost of health related affect due to domestic violence is very close to $6 million per year and the cost affect due to a loss of employment and productivity is close to $1.8 billion per year (Martin, 2011).
Although many states have some type of accountability for the abuser/batterer, whether it result in an arrest, whether it be handled in accordance to the mandated
Heidi L. Shank-Bridges
Liberty University
Abstract
Domestic Violence is a problem of epidemic proportion in the United States. It affects everyone whether they are the victim, the batterer, or a member of society. Domestic Violence comes in the way of multiple forms and has expanded outside of the husband and wife arena, as in years past to now include violence between boyfriend and girlfriend, parent and child, and violence between siblings. In some states domestic violence is defined as violence between a boyfriend and girlfriend who do not live together but do have a child in common. Domestic violence affects every community. Largely affected are the law enforcement officers who are at risk of prospective danger by responding to a domestic violence call. Domestic violence is affecting younger children in grades as low as elementary school through high school. Domestic Violence shelters are available to assist victims; however, while shelters appear to be a capacity for the most part, there is a greater concern for the underutilization of shelters and why, when shelters are available, are they not being used? Is there a cure for this growing problem?
Keywords: domestic violence, shelters, victims,
Domestic violence was at one time thought to be a personal family matter, but it is now considered an issue affecting entire communities both socially and fiscally primarily due to the higher rates of physical health problems received from violent acts from assault, rape and the stress of living in such an environment. The cost of health related affect due to domestic violence is very close to $6 million per year and the cost affect due to a loss of employment and productivity is close to $1.8 billion per year (Martin, 2011).
Although many states have some type of accountability for the abuser/batterer, whether it result in an arrest, whether it be handled in accordance to the mandated
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