Domestic violence is prevalent anywhere and everywhere in the world today. Many have been under the impression that domestic violence refers to violence that is inflicted by a man on a women when living together, this is not true. Domestic violence in context refers to not only spousal abuse but child abuse, intimate partner violence and abusive behavior in family, friends and cohabitation. Domestic violence may be inflicted on women by men and even vice versa. The issue of domestic violence against men only gained significance in the late 1970s whilst even today most people are unaware of this situation.
Statistics taken from the American Institute of Domestic Violence however, show that 85-95 percent of all domestic violence victims are female whilst 5.3 million women are abused each year. Interestingly enough when analyzing the approximate figure of workplace violence that occur in the US every year, 18 700 are committed by an intimate partner from 1.7 million incidents and homicide is the leading cause of death for women in workplaces.
There are numerous means that can define domestic violence. Many victims undergo severe physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The perpetrator also shows preference in dominating and controlling their victims through intimidation and stalking. They also tend to neglect their victims and deprive them of financial welfare. Alcoholism, substance abuse and various mental illnesses are the primary causes to domestic violence.
Trapped in a snare of deceit, many victims believe that they are the cause of the abuse. They also feel entitled to stay in the relationship because they are foolishly under the impression that the offender can change. Abusive people require severe therapy and counseling in order to get to the bottom of their actions. The sad truth is that even though many strive to run away from domestic violence it isnt always a plausible solution. One can also find themselves in a fatal situation if caught. Therefore many tend to seek protection through law. And unfortunately in America a restraining order must be violated for the police to act. This means that she or he must yet again undergo abuse in order to be protected. Unfortunately this attack may be fatal as the perpetrator is aware that you have gone against them.
It is important to remember that all hope is not lost. One can always remain anonymous at a domestic violence shelter and seek help. If still living with the abuser one must always secretly be prepared to leave at a moments notice, keep cash on you at all times, come up with code words to signal to children if present and practice quick escape. One must also be aware of the signs that your abuser is getting angry and never be in an enclosed area with no accessible exit to run to. There is always an out in an oppressive situation if one knows what to do and where to look. Secrecy is an essential key to escape domestic violence.