Contrary to popular belief, domestic violence affects people of all genders, races and ages. It is defined as an act or acts of violence or abuse against a person living in ones household. This can include a family member or even a significant other. Because this definition is shallow, it potentially rules out those who are being abused in a relationship of any sort but do not live with the abuser. According to statistics, one and three women report being in a domestic violence situation. Keep in mind that this is the number of reported cases. What about those who do not report domestic abuse?
It is not okay to be involved in any type of domestic violence situation, especially if you claim you love the person that you are hurting. Due to sanctimonious views formed by society, men who have been the victims of domestic violence rarely get taken seriously or even report it. An average of 40 percent of males have encountered been in abusive relationships. This is not acceptable.
If you do find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation with a spouse, significant other or relative, love and value yourself and your life enough to seek help. Tell people your story so that they can help you. Put yourself in a predicament to leave before it gets bad. A lot of people, specifically women, find themselves stuck in violent situations. Ladies just know that even though he says he won't hit or harm you again, well if he did it once he's definitely capable of continuously doing it. Leave him! Although he says he loves you and you love him, love yourself more than you do him, realize your worth and walk away from the situation. It may not be easy for many, but through living life you find that most times you are given multiple chances to get it right and find love, respect and happiness.
They are many different people and places to go to if you are a victim of domestic violence. First, tell a family member or someone you are close to because the chances are, they will be the first ones willing to help. If that fails, seek help from your nearest battered women's shelter and if all else fails, just leave even if you have nowhere to go. Tell people your story or even go to the police so they can find somewhere for you to go. The moral of this piece is, just keep your hands to yourself.
