For most, home is a safe haven. Home is a comfortable place where you can rest your feet. You can unwind and relax and be surrounded by those you love. Home is where you sit at the kitchen table laughing or lay on the couch warming up. You’re safe. You’re welcomed. You’re home.
Home is not somewhere to be scared. You should not be hiding. And you certainly should not be a victim in your own space.
However, this is the case for many individuals and families all over the country every day. More than 60% of domestic violence incidents happen at the home. These cases are most likely to take place within the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. This is the time you arrive home from work or school and plan to unwind. This is not the time where you should struggle to feel protected.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Essentially, domestic abuse is, “a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence.” This violence can be an act against anyone, which is typically overlooked and not recognized. Gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and more do no matter. This can happen to anyone.
There tends to be wild misconceptions on domestic violence in our culture. Many believe that these violent acts only take place amongst adults. Most of the population assumes women are always the victims in every case. However, both of these situations cannot be farther from the truth. Men fall victim to almost 3 million physical assaults in the United States. This is a number that continues to grow.
It is important to recognize that domestic violence does not only consist of physical or sexual trauma. It can have a damaging psychological affect on any victim. Typically, without help, children who witness domestic violence in the home, are more likely to become abusers themselves when they become older. Also, victims who do not receive attention will go on to face high rates of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety and other mental distresses.
Whether you would like to admit it or not, we live in a world with many awful events taking place. People seek out refuge in their own homes to escape their jobs, friends, and daily stresses. To walk into and live in a toxic environment with an abusive individual is simply not acceptable. The number of families living in shelters right now, not because they cannot afford a home, but simply because they do not feel safe in their own, is ridiculous.
The first step in limiting and defeating domestic violence is to recognize the signs. The lack of knowledge regarding what is or isn’t abuse is astounding. Discover the different types of abuse , as well as the signs.
The true tragedy of domestic violence is that most incidents are never reported. Many feel silenced, trapped, or do not realize they are caught in a toxic environment or relationship. In honor of this month, spread awareness by speaking up and speaking out. Let victims know they’re not alone by providing a helping hand and a safe home.
