Domestic Violence Is Not A New Phenomenon

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Twenty Five Years of Declining Domestic Violence Today in America, there seems to be an overwhelming amount of violent crime that takes place. Watching the nightly news, one could take a tally of the numerous attacks and deaths that are reported. Violence is not a new phenomenon, however. From Cain murdering Abel, to massacres at villages being raided, to the atrocities of the Holocaust, and the attacks of September 11, 2001, violence is ever present. The focus of this paper is a subset of violence, domestic violence. The societal question being posed in this paper is: Has domestic violence increased over the past twenty five years or is it just being reported better? While it may seem like a simple question, the answer is quite perplexing. Though there has been a statistical reduction in domestic violence, domestic violence continues to be an epidemic (Montaldo, Vagianos). Domestic violence is rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, or simple assault committed by an offender who is the victim’s current or former spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, parent, child, sibling, or other relative (Truman 14). In 1990, there were 1,500 shelters for battered women; 2300 less than shelters for animals (“Fast”). That same year, battering was not included as a prenatal risk factor meritorious of surveillance and prevention (Stoto 138). Between 40% and 60% of emergency calls to police were, and still are, domestic violence disputes in 1990 (“Fast”). Three to four million women were beaten in their homes each year by their spouses, ex-spouse, or male lovers in the United States, according to the statistical analysis in 1990 (“Fast”). In 1991, one woman was beaten by her spouse every fifteen seconds in the United States (“Fast”). By 1... ... middle of paper ... ...ure of abusers, it is still dangerous for the victim to leave the relationship safely (Montaldo, Vagianos). While there have been supportive programs that have been implemented since 1990, many of the programs, while helpful and played a role in domestic violence decline, may have a negative impact on the escaping abused individual. There may be fewer claims of domestic violence, but that does not mean that this country can stop its vigilance against domestic violence because it will continue. In American, 74% of people now someone or is a victim of domestic violence (“Fast”). This is an epidemic that will take the entire nation to recognize and be proactive with its approach with dealing with the situation. Whether it is a woman, man, child, or elderly person, we as humans should feel protected or have recourse for protection even if it is from those closest to us.

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