Teen Dating Violence
Teens are seriously at risk for dating violence. Annually, 1 out of 11 adolescents reports being a victim of physical dating abuse (CDC 2006). Like domestic violence perpetuated by adults, teen dating violence is a pattern of controlling, and abusive behaviors of one person over another within a romantic relationship. Teens who abuse their girlfriends or boyfriends often act the same as adults in abusive relationships. Research shows that physical or sexual abuse is a part of 1 in 3 high school relationships. Many of these cases of teen dating violence could have been prevented by helping adolescents to develop skills for healthy relationships with others (Foshee et al. 2005).
Teen dating violence is just as serious as adult domestic violence. It can include verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, and financial abuse. It can occur in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. It knows no boundaries and crosses race, socio-economic status, culture, and religion. Violence can happen to anyone. Like adults, teenagers can choose better relationships when they learn to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship, understand that they have choices, and believe they are valuable people who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
This month, many of my posts have addressed issues related to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and exposing myths about this phenomenon. Access to information is integral to breaking the cycle of violence. Toward that goal, I would like to direct your attention to very help informational resources related to domestic violence intervention, prevention, and community outreach. For further information on teen dating violence, here are several websites you can visit: www.thesafespace.org; and www.breakthecycle.org.
Unlike every other public health problem, violence permeates the psyche of every man, woman, and child who reside in our extended community. Our society appears to be waiting on a miracle or an outside intervention to change the status quo. The only way we will eradicate domestic violence is when we agree upon coordinated solutions to implement in a collaborative manner. Violence is a condition of the heart that can only change when individual citizens decide that it is time for a change…that it is time for the violence to cease.
Sources: Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). www.thesafespace.org; and www.breakthecycle.org. Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art
Hidden Victims
Over 15 million children in our nation live in homes where there has been at least one incident of domestic violence in the past year, and seven million children live in families where severe partner violence has occurred. Data indicates that 30% to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the home. Growing up in abusive household can pose a threat to not only the child’s physical health but his mental health as well.
Research indicates that the non-abusive parent is often one the most important protective factors in the lives of children who witness domestic violence. All women, children, and men have the right to live in a safe environment and to conduct their lives without emotional, physical or sexual abuse or the fear of abuse.
Often, one of the greatest concerns for battered women is the affect of living in a violent home environment on children. In some instances, the domestic becomes so severe that women with children leave their homes without a place to go. Research indicates that domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness. In a 2007 report by the United States Conference of Mayors, thirty-nine percent of the city leaders who were surveyed identified domestic violence as a primary cause of homelessness among households with children.
Victims of domestic violence experience difficulty finding housing. There simply are not sufficient beds to house all the battered women and their children seeking shelter. The U.S. Conference of Mayors report indicated that city leaders turn persons experiencing homelessness away from shelters and transitional housing because of lack of capacity all or some of the time. Not only do battered women experience challenges in securing a bed in a shelter, they also often have difficulty securing a safe, decent, affordable apartment.
Domestic violence thrives on apathy. It can be eradicated with an equal amount of conscience, mind, heart, and collective action. How you can help? Advocate for increased funding for domestic violence programs and public housing.
Sources:United States Conference of Mayors. Center for Diseaese Control & Prevention (CDC), National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. McDonald, Renee, Ernest N. Jouriles, Suhasini Ramisetty-Mikler, et al. 2006. Estimating the Number of American Children Living in Partner-Violent Families; Edelson, J.L. (1999). “The Overlap Between Child Maltreatment and Women Battering.” Violence Against Women. 5:134-154; U.S. Conference of Mayors. 2007. A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America’s Cities: A 23-City Survey. Washington, DC.
Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art
Domestic Violence Myths
Domestic violence is a private family matter between a husband and a wife.
■ Domestic violence is a crime against society.
■ About 1 in 3 American women have been physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. (Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across a Woman’s Lifespan: the Commonwealth Fund 1998 Survey of Women’s Health, 1999)
■ In 1996, 30% of all female murder victims were killed by their husbands or boyfriends. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1997)
■ 40% to 60% of men who abuse women also abuse children. (American Psychological Association, Violence and the Family, 1996)
Women and men engage in domestic violence at approximately the same rate.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, between 1998 and 2002:
■ 84% of spouse abuse victims were females, and 86% of victims of dating partner abuse at were female.
■ Males were 83% of spouse murderers and 75% of dating partner murderers.
■ 50% of offenders in state prison for spousal abuse had killed their victims. Wives were more likely than husbands to be killed by their spouses: wives were about half of all spouses in the population in 2002, but 81% of all persons killed by their spouse. (Matthew R. Durose et al., U.S. Dep’t of Just., NCJ 207846, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Family Violence Statistics: Including Statistics on Strangers and Acquaintances, at 31-32 (2005))
Domestic violence only happens to poor women and women of color.
■ Domestic violence happens in all kinds of families and relationships. Persons of any socio-economic status, culture, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age, and sex can be victims or perpetrators of domestic violence.
Some people deserve to be hit.
■ No one deserves to be abused. The only person responsible for the abusive behavior is the abuser.
■ Physical violence is against the law.
Alcohol, drug abuse, stress, and mental illness cause domestic violence.
■ Domestic violence is a learned behavior.
■ Abusers choose to abuse his/her partner.
■ Alcohol use, drug use, and stress do not cause domestic violence. The afore-referenced conditions might exist in a relationship where domestic violence is present, but they do not cause the violence. Abusers seek to find excuses for their violence.
■ Domestic violence is rarely caused by mental illness, but it is often used as an excuse for domestic violence.
If the relationship is abusive, she would just leave.
■ There are many reasons why women may not leave. Not leaving does not indicate that the relationship is healthy.
■ Research has taught us that leaving can be very dangerous for victims of domestic violence. Actually, in some cases, the most dangerous time for a woman who is being abused is when she tries to leave.
Domestic violence is not a problem in my community.
■ Research indicates that women worldwide experience domestic violence.
For information on domestic violence, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website http://www.thehotline.org or call 800-787-3224.
Source(s): Matthew R. Durose et al., U.S. Dep’t of Just., NCJ 207846, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Family Violence Statistics: Including Statistics on Strangers and Acquaintances, at 31-32 (2005). Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across a Woman’s Lifespan: the Commonwealth Fund 1998 Survey of Women’s Health, 1999). Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1997. American Psychological Association, Violence and the Family, 1996. U.S. Department of Justice. The National Domestic Violence Hotline website. Photo Credit Microsoft Clip Art
Nichelle Mitchem Poses the Important Question, “Is Every House A Home?”
For many women violence and danger are their constant companions. Despite concerted efforts to eradicate domestic violence, data indicates that intimate partner violence continues to pose a clear and present danger to the health and well-being of countless persons. Social science research indicates that one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Indigent women are more vulnerable.
On average, more than three women a day are murdered by their intimate partners in our country . Annually, women experience an estimated 2 million women injuries resulting from an abusive relationship. Women who are between the ages of 20-24 years old are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence. Research indicates that most incidents of domestic violence are not reported to the police. The dearth of safe, decent, affordable housing causes many poor women to confront the unenviable choice of homelessness or remaining in a home plagued by violence and turmoil resulting from domestic violence.
Over 15 million children in our nation live in homes where there has been at least one incident of domestic violence in the past year, and seven million children live in families where severe partner violence has occurred. Data indicates that 30% to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the home. Growing up in abusive household can pose a threat to not only the child’s physical health but his mental health as well.
Research indicates that the non-abusive parent is often one the most important protective factors in the lives of children who witness domestic violence. All women, children, and men have the right to live in a safe environment and to conduct their lives without emotional, physical or sexual abuse or the fear of abuse.
Often, one of the greatest concerns for battered women is the affect of living in a violent home environment on children. In some instances, the domestic becomes so severe that women with children leave their homes without a place to go. Research indicates that domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness. In a 2007 report by the United States Conference of Mayors, thirty-nine percent of the city leaders who were surveyed identified domestic violence as a primary cause of homelessness among households with children.
Victims of domestic violence experience difficulty finding housing. There simply are not sufficient beds to house all the battered women and their children seeking shelter. The U.S. Conference of Mayors report indicated that city leaders turn persons experiencing homelessness away from shelters and transitional housing because of lack of capacity all or some of the time. Not only do battered women experience challenges in securing a bed in a shelter, they also often have difficulty securing a safe, decent, affordable apartment.
Domestic violence thrives on apathy. It can be eradicated with an equal amount of conscience, mind, heart, and collective action. How you can help? Advocate for increased funding for domestic violence programs and public housing.
Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art
“Simple Ways To Give Thanks”
In our nation, Thanksgiving is a time of family gatherings, festive meals, and much celebration. It is also a time to give thanks for all that we have in our lives and reflect on the needs of those who may be less fortunate. This year, Esta Solar, President of the Family Violence Prevention Fund, reminds us that “…Thanksgiving Day falls on International Day to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” It is her hope that as “…we celebrate our holiday and reflect on our blessings, that we will consider the needs of women and girls who have been harmed by violence.”
As Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching, Ms. Solar asks whether or not we “…would [] be willing to take a moment and commit to taking action to end violence against women and girls locally and globally?” She reminds us that our “…action can literally change the lives of women in your community and those around the world.” Ms. Solar shares several actions we can take to end violence against women and girls locally as well as globally:
1. “Talk to the young people you know about the issue of violence against women and share with them how you think people should treat one another.
2. Take Action on the international, national, local level to end violence against women. As the 111th Congress comes to a close, urge your Congress person to pass the International Violence Against Women Act before Congress adjourns at the end of the year. If you have already taken the action, please encourage your family and friends to act on this matter as well.
3. Give your time to a local domestic violence shelter in your community.”
With equal amounts of conscience, mind, heart, and collective action we can improve the human condition. Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art
President Obama launches initiative to respond to violence
This week, the Obama administration launched a new initiative to assist employers to respond to domestic and sexual violence. Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence: A National Resource Center is a new initiative that makes it easier for employers to adopt policies to support and protect employees who are victims of domestic and sexual violence. The National Resource Center’s website includes but is not limited to: information on work place violence, guns and the work place, and union responses.
The new Workplace Resource Center was created by a partnership of seven national organizations led by the Family Violence Prevention Fund. For further information on the new national center, visit Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence: A National Resource Center’s website at http://www.workplacesrespond.org/.
Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art
Nichelle Mitchem Shares Information on the Growing Prevalence of Cyberstalking
The prevalence of stalking is increasing. The Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that 3.4 million persons over 18 were victims of stalking in a one-year period. Baum et al, Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report, National Crime Victimization Survey, Stalking Victimization in the United States (January 2009). More than 1 in 4 stalking victims reported some form of cyberstalking was used, such as e-mail (83%) or instant messaging (35%). Id. at 5. In response to the growing prevalence of cyberstalking, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides training and written articles (see STOP Newsletter, Summer 2009) to demonstrate how technology is misused to stalk victims. If you have any questions or training needs on stalking and technology, you can visit the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website at www.pcadv.org.
Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art
Nichelle Mitchem discussed “The Battered Woman” by Dr. Lenore Walker
October has long been recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness month. As a result, many of the post to this blog have been concerning violence against women. Topics discussed have included but not been limited to: domestic violence facts; myths; the importance of safety planning; upcoming conferences; and published works on this pressing public health issue. When discussing books on the topic of domestic violence, we would remise if there was no mention of Dr. Lenore Walker’s famous book “The Battered Woman.” Much like “Getting Free”, “Trauma Recovery and Empowerment”, Dr. Walker’s book “The Battered Woman” is a must read for battered women and their allies in the struggle to eradicate domestic violence.
Dr. Walker has written many books and has been published in countless journal articles, magazines, and newspapers. Her highly regarded book, “The Battered Women”, is best known for raising awareness about the phenomenon of domestic violence. Because of Dr. Walker’s inter ground breaking interviews and studies on battered women, she has long been recognized as an expert in on the topic of Battered Women Syndrome. Out of her study of battered women syndrome, Dr. Walker developed theories on how and why domestic violence occurs. She also developed theories on treatment and survival.
Sources: http://www.webster.edu. http://www.stjohns.edu. Photo Credit Microsoft Clip Art
Nichelle Mitchem Shares Information on Stalking
Stalking is an increasing problem. Stalking is defined as “a course of conduct directed at a specific person that involves repeated (two or more occasions) visual or physical proximity, nonconsensual communication, or verbal, written, or implied threats, or a combination thereof, that would cause a reasonable person fear” (Tjaden and Thoennes,1998). Stalking behaviors also may include persistent patterns of leaving or sending the victim unwanted items or presents that may range from seemingly romantic to bizarre, following or laying in wait for the victim, damaging or threatening to damage the victim’s property, defaming the victim’s character, or harassing the victim via the Internet by posting personal information or spreading rumors about the victim. As part of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2005, Congress extended the Federal interstate stalking statute to include cyberstalking (18 U.S.C. §2261 A).
The overwhelming majority of stalking victims are women (78 percent), and the majority of offenders (87 percent) are men. Nearly 60 percent of women and 30 percent of men are stalked by a current partner (Tjaden and Thoennes, 1998). The Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that 3.4 million persons over 18 were victims of stalking in a one-year period. Baum et al, Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report, National Crime Victimization Survey, Stalking Victimization in the United States (January 2009). More than 1 in 4 stalking victims reported some form of cyberstalking was used, such as e-mail (83%) or instant messaging (35%). Id. at 5.
Today, on Ms. Magazine’s Blog, Shawna Kenney made a very informative post entitled, When Domestic Violence Enters Cyberspace. In the post Shawna aptly states that,”… technology adds a new element of fear to an abused person’s psyche. Haters spew malicious comments beneath YouTube videos, hiding behind screens and usernames; some make thinly-veiled death threats from the perceived safety of their blogs.” To read her compelling blog post, visit Ms. Magazine’s website at http://www.msmagazine.com.
Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art
Your Used Cell Phone Could Possibly Save Someone’s Life
Verizon collects no-longer-used cell phones, batteries, and accessories and either refurbishes or recycles the phones. The refurbished cell phones along with 3,000 minutes of wireless service are provided to victims of domestic violence.
For many women violence and danger are their constant companions. Research indicates that one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.[i] Indigent women are more vulnerable. As woman rebuild their lives, the refurbished cell phones serve as a link to supportive services in a time of crisis.
The pervasive problem of domestic violence takes everyone to make it stop. Consider donating your used cell phone— you could possibly save someone’s life. For further information about Verizon’s cell phone donation process visit: http://aboutus.vzw.com/communityservice/hopeLine.html
[i] Tjaden, Patricia & Thoennes, Nancy, National Institute of Justice and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 1993, “Extent, Nature and Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey,” (2000).Photo Credit Microsoft Clip Art
