Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence affects millions of families world wide, rarely a day passes without reading of a violent attack in the newspapers or hearing on television or radio about domestic violence incident that went too far and the victim has been killed.
Statistics of domestic violence vary widely from state to state, country to country but they can never tell the whole story, they can only point to the cases that have been reported to the authorities and can only estimate at the number of cases that have not been reported.
Most of the statistics gathered relate to Women being physically abused by men and mention many factors in the reasons for the violence including alcoholism, drug abuse, stress, jealousy and in some cases violence is used as a form of control over the victim.
There are some but very few statistics gathered for Domestic Violence where the woman is the abuser of the man, but it is believed to be a problem that is as widespread as Male abuse on women, in the statistics that have been gathered the same reasons are mostly used.
Victims of Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence often blame themselves for being hit, it was something that they did or didn't do that let to the attack, they try to cover up cuts and bruises with make-up or clothing and if the marks are noticed by another person they create a cover story to hide the truth." I walked into a door" or " I tripped on the stairs" being the most popular.
Domestic violence often takes place over a long period of time before the victim decides to take action against the abuser, sometimes months and some times years go past before the victim reports the abuse to the authorities.
Female sufferers of spousal attacks are more likely to report an abuser than male victims because of male pride it is embarrasing that a woman is violent towards you and you don't want to look like less of a man in front of their friends.
Most victims of domestic violence stay with their abusers because they love them, in over 70% of all reported cases love was the top reason for living with violence only 10% stayed because they feared what their abusers would do to them or their children if they tried to leave.
Children are often the forgotten victims of domestic violence, often the spousal abuser will become violent towards their children.
Help is out There
No matter your situation help is out there for you, there are people who have been through similar situations and they are only a phone call away, they are ready to help you to listen and to offer advice.
The website lists below will give you details of help available near you
National Domestic Violence Hotline (USA)
Domestic Violence Resource Centre (AUSTRALIA)
domestic violence information(CANADA)
alcoholics anonymous (world wide)
