Presenting a Three-Part Series on Understanding Domestic Violence
Part 2

Domestic Violence Awareness

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women aged 15 to 44, a fact that is startling. Domestic violence is more frequent than ever imagined and affects everyone in the family.

Studies estimate that 10 to 20 percent of children are at risk for exposure to domestic violence. In other words, between 3.3 and 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence, which leaves emotional scars that last a lifetime. These children are twice as likely to become abusers themselves, so the cycle of abuse continues from generation to generation. It must be stated that women and children are not the only victims of domestic violence as men also are victims of this inhumane act.

Let us end this madness! How can we end it? Education is the first and foremost important step towards wiping out domestic violence from our midst. Let’s do it for us all, for humanity.

Of course, domestic violence leaves the victims physically injured, such as crippled, disfigured, and suffering from hearing loss. Domestic violence victims often also lose or miss out on many things in life, such as the loss of peace of mind, friends, loved ones and belongings. There is also the unseen emotional damage, including emotional scars and the inability to trust. Domestic violence victims also suffer from many forms of fear, such as the fear of being alone at night and the fear for their lives.

Society has a tendency to blame the victim. However, no one deserves to be abused, no matter what the circumstances are. Statistics show that 75% of women who are murdered by their batterers are killed when they leave or after they leave the relationship. Stepping away is not always easy.

Together, we can make difference.