One in four women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime. Domestic violence knows no boundaries, affecting men and women of all ages and races. The National Domestic Hotline defines domestic violence as patterns of behavior in any relationship used to control and exert power over an intimate partner. Government programs, support networks and organizations, education, law enforcement participation and a safety plan can help stop domestic violence, or at least get you out of a dangerous situation.
Government Programs
Programs differ state to state, so victims are urged to visit their local health government agencies. However, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) actively participates in tackling domestic violence by using research, communication, capacity building, leadership and partnerships. The CDC funds several anti-domestic violence programs, including Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliances, which helps develop and implement prevention activities in various states, and the Rape Prevention and Education Grant program helps support educational seminars and training programs with health departments and sexual coalitions. Funds from this grant are sent to states and territories to those services.
Support networks and organizations
Numerous organizations assist victims of domestic violence. Some active organizations include the National Domestic Violence, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and National Sexual Violence Resource Center. These groups disseminate important information about domestic violence and support local communities by offering resources and manpower. Many more can be found through the Internet or through hospitals and law enforcement.
In 2007, the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Liz Claiborne launched a national web-based and telephone hotline created to help teens deal with dating abuse. There are many other hotlines with secure networks and confidentiality agreements meant to protect young adults and teens that are scared and prefer to remain anonymous. These victims are also encouraged to go online and join discussion groups and forums where they can find other victims to talk with. Teens in particular need support when they are faced with domestic violence because many don't have the resources or opportunity to deal with the situation on their own. The stigma of being a victim hinders teens from reaching out, so they must feel safe in order to get help.
Women and families who have fled their homes in fear of violence can also turn to safe shelters if they have no where to go. These shelters can be found on city or state websites, as well as through the CDC.
Education
Without knowing the proper laws, regulations and resources, victims will feel helpless and won't stand up to violence. The Department of Education encourages parents to talk with their children about dating violence, be involved in their life, listen to them talk and to note any disturbing behavior.
Young adults need education about their rights when it comes to domestic violence. They might think that there is no help or escape from this abuse and will remain quiet. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) says, "Fear, misconceptions, lack of services, low self-esteem, control by the abuser, peer pressure and concern about family response all combine to keep battered teens trapped in silence and secrecy." Teens need to know their rights, and the laws that will protect them. Resources from local support organizations need to be available at hospitals and schools, and community events targeted to this audience should be a high priority. Education stops the vicious cycle of violence.
Law Enforcement
In 1994, the Violence Against Women Act was passed, establishing domestic violence as a federal crime, and creating law enforcement programs necessary to help support victims and punish abusers. Since its passage, more than 660 laws have been drafted to combat domestic violence in all forms.
Law enforcement activity against domestic violence differs with each state. The domestic violence act states "most states require the perpetrator and victim to be current or former spouses, living together, or have a child in common."
Safety Plan
A safety plan is an emergency plan domestic violence victims should prepare in order to protect themselves from precarious situations. The Texas Council on Family Violence assembled an example of a "Personal Safety Plan" for victims, stating that they should gather the following materials: drivers license, birth certificate, Social Security cards, personal checks, credit cards, health/life/car insurance papers, passport, car registration and protective orders. In the safety plan, numbers and contacts with local hospitals and family violence program affiliates should also be included. Legal and law enforcement contacts should be written down too, in case of an emergency. This kind of plan can help a victim stay focused and protect herself if an emergency arises. Preparing a safety plan cuts down on the fear that victims face too. Leaving a secure network and home can be stressful so enacting a plan cuts down on what could be a much unknown future.
Tags: domestic violence, domestic violence, National Domestic, Coalition Against, Coalition Against Domestic