Domestic Violence - A Community Concern

Domestic Violence truly is everyone's problem whether we realize it or not. Why? Because just like a pebble dropped into the pond, there are ripple effects. The inner ripples are the domestic violence that is being passed to the next generation. Men who witnessed abuse as a child are three times more likely to hit their wives than those who did not. Studies show that female children who witness domestic violence are more likely to become victims of abuse in later life. Both male and female children "learn what they live".

The next ripples are the effects on the children in the home. One-third of children who witness the battering of their mothers, demonstrate significant behavioral and emotional problems including psychosomatic disorders, stuttering, anxiety, fears, sleep disruption, excessive crying, and school problems.

The ripples continue on with perpetuation of violence outside the home. Violent juvenile offenders are four times more likely to have grown up in homes where they saw violence. 85% of men in prison report that they grew up in a violent home!

As the ripples move further out, we see that domestic violence requires intervention on the part of law enforcement, the medical community, clergy, and social service agencies. many 911 departments report "domestics" as the most frequently received emergency call. Nationally, over one-fourth of hospital emergency room visits by women are caused by domestic violence injuries. Domestic violence costs business and industry big bucks. The cost is estimated to be between 3 nd 5 billion dollars annually due to loss in productivity, absenteeism, employee turnover, and health care costs!

Yes, indeed, domestic violence affects us all. The quality of community life diminishes when the health and well-being of individuals and families are destroyed by abuse in the home. As a community, we must stand together to bring an end to family violence and abuse.

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