Understanding And Reforming Domestic Abuse

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Understanding and Reforming Domestic abuse is a significant and threatening issue in the United States. Sadly, the rates of this shameful violence are increasing. This violence is not limited to the privacy of relationships and homes, it occurs everywhere and in all relationships. Football player, Ray Rice portrayed an act of domestic violence when he punched his wife and knocked her unconscious on February 15 of 2014. Women are heavily affected by this abuse and it’s the leading cause of injuries on women. According to crime reports (qtd. in “Domestic Violence”), one woman is beaten by her husband or partner every 15 seconds in the United States. Also, according to a report (qtd. in “Domestic Violence”), domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Domestic abuse is not simple, it has a historical context to it, it creates abusive cycles in relationships, and it links to economic statuses. People do not fully understand domestic abuse as much as they should. It is not simple and the different forms of it needs to be explained more often. “Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse” (“What is Domestic Violence?”). These types of violence can range from mild to severe. Mild abuse includes pushing, grabbing, shoving, or slapping a woman. Severe abuse includes kicking, choking, beating or using a weapon on women. Domestic abuse leads... ... middle of paper ... ...links to economic statuses, targeting those experiencing poverty or low income more often. Domestic abuse is a rising issue in the United States. It happens everywhere and anywhere. This violence has occurred significantly throughout history and sadly, it’s continuing. What is even more devastating is that most domestic abuse situations are not even reported. “Domestic violence is one of the most underreported crimes” (Heidi Evans). This means that domestic abuse is even more threatening and present in the United States than we know. The key to solving this problem is the understanding of it. Through explaining the history of domestic abuse, its link to economic statuses, and the cycles it creates in relationships, one should now have a better understanding of this issue and should promote the actions that need to be taken against the problem of domestic abuse.

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