Feb blog entry-domestic abuse/violence

Domestic abuse/violence, a bit of a serious subject but I am in one of my ‘awareness’ moods.
 
When the words ‘Domestic abuse’ are heard people automatically imagine a male bully beating his wife/partner...and some do! Did you know that out of the 2.1 million cases every year (that are reported) 700,000 of them, it is MEN that are the victims? It is thought to be a lot higher but it is less likely that a man will report the fact that he is a victim of domestic violence.
 
SOME FACTS:
On average, victims of domestic abuse will carry on living with their abusive partners for up to 3 years before deciding to take any action by leaving or reporting the situation.
Domestic violence claims the lives of on average 2 women a week and 30 men a year.
Domestic violence accounts for 16% of all violent crime yet it is less likely to be reported.
Domestic abuse is the most quoted reason for being homeless.
400 people a year commit suicide because of domestic abuse and violence after attending hospital for their injuries. 200 of these go on to commit suicide on the day they have attended hospital.
 
All shocking statistics, but what is the cause of this sickening behaviour?
Research shows that the most common factor in most cases is the overwhelming need for the abuser to be in control of their partner. By using abusive and violent means he/she achieves this control made easier if the victim is of a submissive nature. Even if they are not particularly submissive, the outrageous violent behaviour of the abuser will strike so much fear into the unfortunate victim that again he/she gains control. FEAR is the main reason that the victims stay with their partner for so long before reporting it....if at all!
 
Here are a few things a victim of abuse can do about it:
 
The obvious first step is to report it to the Police.
Seek medical attention and have your injuries documented and photographed if possible.
Go to a safe place, i.e. a ‘Domestic violence shelter’.
Share your problem with a family member or close friend.
These are just a few things you can do, but above all the thing to do is NOT ignore it!
(Research and statistics courtesy of ..safelives.org.uk...IWA.org.uk....clerkprosecuter.org)