Domestic violence is one of those phenomena that is difficult to understand unless you have been close to it. Most people believe the women should “just get out,” but it isn’t that simple in most cases. Domestic violence offenders prey on certain types of women, and convincing the women to leave means changing their viewpoint of themselves.
Low self-esteem
Most women who are the victims of domestic violence suffer from low self-esteem. In many cases, they had this problem long before the domestic violence started, which made them more vulnerable. They are in a relationship with someone with a dominating personality, and because these women believe themselves not to be worth being treated better, they will stay under the idea that they “deserve” their treatment.
Substance abuse
Substance abuse, including both drug abuse and substance abuse, is a major issue in domestic violence cases on both sides. In some cases, women who are addicted to drugs find themselves unable to leave because they cannot maintain basic living conditions without their partners. In other cases, a violent partner may not be so until they are drinking or using drugs, making the women believe they will change if they can get clean.
What can activists do?
Working to stop domestic violence takes significant emotional strength. This type of advocacy work, especially if you are involved on an intimate level with people who are domestic violence victims is emotionally draining. Still if you are committed to reducing domestic violence, there are ways to get involved.
Raise Domestic Violence Awareness
Domestic violence awareness is one key to stopping the problem. Educate the public that this problem co-exists with substance abuse through information sessions, for example. Talk to teenagers and young adults about violent relationships. Share statistics with others and give them ways they can help.
Support Domestic Violence Shelters
If there is no domestic violence shelter in your area, see if you can find a group of committed volunteers to help you start one. If your community has a shelter, find out what you can do to help. Work on applying for grants, organizing fundraisers, and giving of your time and money to help the shelter survive. Public education campaigns in this area are rarely done but could be useful. Make contacts with local reporters to let them know what needs the shelter has and how others can help. Getting the word out often is vital because the shelters are necessarily secretive.
Connecting with a domestic violence shelter in your area takes patience. The staff members have privacy laws they must abide by, and they typically are overworked. Several attempts to contact them may be necessary, but keep trying. This work is important.
