• 2023. 10. 5.

    by. stateonlyu

    Why domestic violence victims don't leave - reflection paper

    Domestic violence occurs regardless of race, religion, income, or education level. It exists everywhere, affecting anyone. Domestic violence takes place within households, with 85 percent of perpetrators being male. That occurs in intimate, interdependent, and long-term relationships. In the United States, women between the ages of 16 and 24 are three times more likely to be victims of domestic violence compared to women of other ages. Over 500 women in this age group are killed annually in the United States, often by violent partners, boyfriends, or husbands. Since crime can happen anywhere, it is essential to be prepared in advance. While the home is perceived as the safest place, it paradoxically carries a higher level of risk. Although 85 percent of attackers are male, domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. To create a healthy society, we must address the issue of domestic violence through education and awareness. As it can happen to anyone, it is crucial to provide meticulous protection to victims legally. Additionally, efforts should be made to improve the accessibility of domestic violence centers. We all need to strive towards creating a safe society.

    1. Domestic violence has stages.

    The first stage in a domestic violence relationship is to seduce and captivate the victim. The second stage involves isolating the victim. The next stage includes using violence and threats to observe the victim's response. In her own words, she stated that her husband posed a significant threat throughout their daily life together. She experienced severe abuse from her husband even before their marriage. It is reported that one in three American women will experience domestic violence or stalking at some point in their lifetime. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 15 million children are exposed to violence every year. I was surprised to learn that domestic violence has stages, and especially the first stage, which may not raise any suspicions. It serves as a strategy for the attacker, making it even more difficult for the victim afterward. The attacker socially isolates the victim and prevents them from considering support or assistance from their surroundings. This makes it challenging for the victim to seek help or escape from the attacker. The victim lives in fear and insecurity, under the attacker's power and control. From before the marriage and throughout the relationship, the victim continually faces threats and lives in pain. Additionally, the victim often struggles with reporting due to the fear of retaliation.

    1. There is a need for social attention to domestic violence.

    One reason she didn't leave him was that she didn't know he was abusing her. One of the reasons why victims of domestic violence may not leave is because the final stage of domestic violence can result in the victim's murder. Over 70 percent of domestic violence homicides occur after the victim ends the relationship. The question, "Why didn't she leave?" is often equivalent to saying, "It's the woman's fault for not leaving." Abuse can happen to anyone. It could be happening right now to my sister or close friend. The reason she was able to end the cycle of unhealthy love was that she broke the silence. Abuse thrives in silence. Even after receiving death threats, the victim hesitates to report to the police. For the victim, mustering the courage to seek a life of freedom is an action that risks their life. Furthermore, the fact that the attacker's threats can escalate to murder is tragic. We must be vigilant about the fact that domestic violence can happen to anyone. It can occur among our family, friends, and colleagues. Breaking the silence and openly sharing our stories is crucial.