| October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
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| Wednesday, 14 October 2009 00:00 |
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In the United States, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives. Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Domestic violence can take several forms, so it is important to know the signs of emotionally abusive, verbally abusive, physically abusive and sexually abusive relationships. Domestic violence is not just harm suffered personally by the victim; destruction of property or harm to pets is also domestic violence.
Although domestic violence disproportionately affects women, we must remember it also affects men (25% of women and 11% of men in the USA). Domestic Violence and Immigrants
Immigrants and refugees face unique circumstances that often make it more difficult to reach out for help. Local services and resources, such as parish services and domestic violence shelters, are available both to U.S. citizens and non U.S. citizens. If you go to a shelter, you have the right to keep your immigration status private. Find more information for immigrants at the National Domestic Violence Hotline Website. Domestic Violence and Cohabitation“In 2000, 41% of all unmarried-couple households included a child under eighteen….” As many as 324,000 women each year experience intimate partner violence during their pregnancy.
However, extramarital cohabitation, despite sometimes being known as “living in sin” is never a justification for violence. Although women in cohabiting relationships are more likely than married women to suffer physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence also occurs in marriages as well as in dating relationships. Domestic Violence and Religion
Religious leaders and communities of faith have a special opportunity and responsibility to raise awareness of domestic violence, be prepared to respond to anyone who comes to them asking for help, and clarify that their religion’s teachings on marriage do not condone any kind of abuse nor require a person in an abusive marriage to stay in that marriage. Find suggestions for preaching about family violence and addressing domestic violence in the sacrament of reconciliation at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website. For articles about domestic violence and religion written by leaders of different faiths, visit the Faith Trust Institute.
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National Domestic Violence Hotline
1.800.799.SAFE
(TTY 1-800-787-3224)
For more information, visit www.thehotline.org.