Why Domestic Abuse?

 

Domestic abuse is more prevalent than we might think. It can happen to anybody, and violence extends far beyond physical maltreatment.

According to dcadv.org:

• The most prevalent group who suffer from abuse are women.

• Every fifteen seconds, a woman is beaten by someone close to her.

• The highest rate of intimate partner abuse happens to young women from ages 16-24.

• About 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year, and the ones who witness this abuse are more likely to abuse their own families as adults.

Abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Excessive control

• Manipulation

• Rape or molestation

• Isolation from friends and family

• Barring access to family income 

• Preventing a partner from working

• Psychological abuse

 

 

Why should we read about domestic abuse in literature?

 

Every woman's story is unique, and every woman's story is important. Unfortunately, many times, women's stories include abusive content. When we take the time to read these stories, we are not only acknowledging that their stories are worth our time, but that somewhere, a woman is being victimized. 

 

***If you or a loved one are suffering from abuse, there is help available to you! (Hotline contacts are courtesy of Helpguide.org).***

• USA: National Domestic Violence Hotline. 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). 

• UK: Women's Aid. 0808-2000-247.

• Australia: 1800RESPECT. 1-800-737-732.