It's been cropping up more and more lately, and the recent high profile case of Hip Hop star Rhianna allegedly being physically abused by her boyfriend, Chris Brown, the R & B singer who had trademarked a squeaky clean image is an unfortunate sign of the times.
In a couple of weeks, the United States State Department will release its annual global human rights report. I'm not alone in expecting a noticeable rise in domestic violence incidents. I'm writing this diary because there is a very real chance that one person will come across this who is thinking of leaving a violent situation with a partner, lover, or spouse. With tensions on the rise and stress levels at an all time high, the stakes are higher than ever.
"Our people make notes of what's said during the calls. They tell us more women are talking about money problems in relation to the violence," Ms. Fielding said.
The hot line just logged its 2 millionth call. "It took us seven years to get the first million calls," she said. "It only took five to get the second million."
At the same time, the financial crisis has forced her organization to cut its budget 25 percent and lay off 11 staffers. That could mean longer wait times for callers who may be in danger just from picking up the phone.
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence notes:
While there is no research or data to make the case that recession, unemployment or empty bank accounts directly cause domestic violence, we do know that these stressful circumstances often exacerbate situations where domestic violence already is a factor. Many programs in PA and around the country attribute their overflowing shelters and waiting lists to the financial hardships currently confronting victims and their abusers. Domestic violence advocates are gravely concerned for the safety of battered victims and their children who now have fewer options and resources as the abuse escalates and the funding for local domestic violence programs dwindles
They go on to point out that abusers use violence to establish and maintain control and something like a job loss can lead to them losing their economic control over their victims. This can trigger them to lash out in other ways.
And from the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) data released today suggests a link between financial stress and domestic violence. For victims who called the national Hotline during the six week study, 54 percent reported a change in their household’s financial situation in the past year.
Even though what triggered this particular attack was likely not stress from the economy, I was again reminded of the issue by the horrific murder of Aasiya Hassan, a beautiful and educated Muslim woman who had repeatedly called police on her abusive spouse before she was killed. She had even obtained an order of protection that forced her husband out of their home.
It really does make one wonder what an order of protection does, doesn't it? Clearly, this is another system in need of reform. I'll actually go a step farther and say that the term "Domestic Violence" should probably not even exist. It's just violence, plain and simple. The government should have as much tolerance for it as it would if a stranger were to approach person on the street and attack them. Living, loving, or even being legally committed to a person doesn't grant them permission to abuse you.
Ms. Hassan took a great risk in breaking her silence only to once again reveal that all too often, society tacitly condones violence against people in intimate relationships.
Why it's so important to highlight this issue now.
Evan though a number of factors have been recognized as triggers of domestic violence incidents - mental illness, substance abuse, certain personality traits, low self-esteem, poor impulse control and a history of being battered - social stressors have been identified as having the greatest impact on abusers.
The Boston Globe reported on this in December:
Economic stresses often lead to more frequent abuse, more violent abuse, and more dangerous abuse when domestic violence already exists. Domestic violence programs report that victims experience an increase in abuse in part because out-of-work abusers have more opportunity to batter. Rhode Island, for example, has recently seen a 25 percent increase in felony-level domestic violence crimes. Victims end up with fewer opportunities to contact programs for help, attend support groups, or get away from the batterer.
From Human Rights Watch:
The projected number of violent crimes committed by intimate partners against women increased from 389,100 in 2005 to 554,260 in the 2007 report. By comparison, the number of violent crimes against men by intimate partners went down.
"Domestic violence is often a hidden crime, and these numbers are a stark reminder of how serious and widespread this problem is," said Tofte. "The Obama-Biden administration should make prevention and protection against all forms of domestic and sexual violence a top priority."
A bright spot.
During the Bush Administration funding was capped or cut from a good amount of programs directing at reducing this type of violence, but President Obama (still not tired of typing that!) included new funding towards supporting the Victims Of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Violence Against Women Act(VAWA).
$225 million for VAWA programs, of which $175 million is for the STOP state formula grants and $50 million for Transitional Housing assistance grants program;
$100 million for VOCA;
$2 billion for the Byrne JAG formula grants (which are very flexible and can support victim and witness programs, among other things); and
$225 million for Byrne competitive grants (which are competitive grants to prevent crime, improve the administration of justice and to provide services to victims of crime).
Lifelines:
YOU. If you aren't a victim, volunteer to help at your local shelter. Donate money to the NDVH or to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Reach out: The National Domestic Violence Hotline should be your first step. 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) – This is a crisis intervention and referral phone line for domestic violence. Women aren't the only victims of domestic violence. Except for the gender difference, domestic abuse doesn’t discriminate. It happens within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and financial levels. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone. If you're afraid your phone is being monitored, go to a friends house or call from a pay phone. If you're afraid your computer will be monitored, head to your public library.
If you are in a same sex relationship and feel you need someone who might more thoroughly understand your situation Lambda.org has the hotline 1.800.799.SAFE or you can email AVP@lambda.org. Your call or email is confidential.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has a State Coalition List that can help you find local support.
The USDA has a Domestic Violence Awareness Handbook
The US department of Health and Human Services has a section dedicated to Violence Against Women the resources could be useful to men as well.
Is it Abuse? Some questions to ask yourself from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Parting Words:
No one deserves to be abused. There is NO good reason. Not job loss, or financial ruin. Even if you aren't a victim, domestic violence is a tremendous burden not only to the victim and their family, but also employers, schools, hospitals, courts and society in general.
And it would be even more costly if it weren't for the fact that
Domestic Violence is the most under reported crime in America.
So I beg you, especially now when resources are so few, be a resource. I am making myself one. Right now. If you are a victim who has been turned away due to lack of resources, Email me and I will do what I can to help you get somewhere safe.
Like our President says, he can't do this alone. We have to each do our part.