October is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; did you know?

By R.D.

PART I

Peeling Back the Onion That Burns:

Simply put, domestic violence is more than just one fight. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably is. Domestic violence abuse, on the other hand, can take many forms, including physical, mental, social, and economic abuse.

Domestic violence does not discriminate based on gender or ethnicity.
Gender
Ethnicity
Age
Socio-Economic Status
Sexual Orientation
Regardless of the season, national origin is a significant factor.

Ok! Let’s make it simple: how famous you are or the number of followers on social media platforms.

Imagine yourself impoverished and deprived of resources due to abuse. Hold that thought!

Hold that thought!

Simply put, domestic violence is more than just one fight. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably is. Domestic violence abuse, on the other hand, can take many forms, including physical, mental, social, and economic abuse.

While taking the annual walk, I often reflect on the people living in poor and developing nations, along with numerous immigrant communities globally, who have limited resources and face the daunting fear of speaking out.

Domestic Violence’s Challenges, Revictimization, Blame Game, and Faces

Unfortunately, many victims do not come forward because they fear having to defend themselves in public, especially with today’s social media.

It is often difficult to leave these toxic relationships because of additional fear or economic reasons; children may be involved, especially when the perpetrators are powerful and well-respected members of the community. abuse.

Sadly, many victims stay in these relationships and sympathize with the perpetrator due to a lack of an exit plan or resources. Some victims began to blame themselves for the abuse they experienced.

Furthermore, when a victim comes forward in many poor and developing countries, the conversation about the case begins with an interrogation. As a result, obtaining appropriate intervention or medical assistance becomes difficult.

Even more problematic is some people’s re-victimization attitude, as if they deserved it.

“What did this person do to make the abuse happen?”

“Why didn’t she or he leave?”

Wherever the assault took place—in the home, a church, a school, or the community at large—what if they started asking the offender why?

Many victims, as well as those tasked with assisting them, often minimize the impact of cultural dynamics, particularly in areas with few or no laws and within male-dominated cultural systems.

Furthermore, they lack the necessary training as first responders to create a safe space for victims. This is why training is essential for reducing potential implicit bias.

Whether the victim experiences forced sexual activities, intimidation, stalking, social isolation, economic manipulation or deprivation, or blocked access to medical treatment, it is never their fault.

Who are the real victims and faces of domestic violence?

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, both men and women can be victims of this type of situation, but women are more often than not. Men abuse women in 70–80% of cases, often leading to their murder without intervention.

Domestic violence affects approximately 25 to 40% of men. However, due to the stigma associated with it, people often overlook this issue, along with the perception of weakness.

Additionally, according to UN figures, a partner or member of their family kills 137 women worldwide every day—a total of 50,000 women murdered annually by people they know and should be able to trust; a partner, ex-spouse, or dating partner kills one woman every 14 hours.

Beyond the Domestic Violence Data

Domestic violence encompasses more than just data; it also includes tangible aspects that are difficult to measure.

According to several academic international journals, domestic violence accounted for approximately 19% of the total burden of healthcare for women. Victims who lost days of work alone cost an estimated $5.1 to $6.8 billion, which equates to approximately 32,000 full-time jobs.

Domestic violence cases account for more than half of all police response calls, outnumbering robbery, motor vehicle theft, and burglary. Many studies have found that even after the violence has stopped, victims continue to use the healthcare system more than others.

Studies show that children who live in homes with domestic violence are more likely to experience abuse or neglect.

Young adults aged 18 to 30 are 2.41 times as likely to experience physical violence. Over three million children witness domestic brutality in their homes every year. 

Domestic violence extends beyond the primary victim; it can result in child trafficking from a runaway child who fled a violent home. According to the UN, approximately 15 million young girls are victims worldwide each year.

PART II

Beyond the Makeup, shades, and even COVID-19 Mask.

Despite the breathtaking scenery, wide-open fields, beautiful shorelines, and white sand, not all victims, including perpetrators of domestic violence, recognize a safe place to go for help.

Domestic violence is still taboo and hidden in some of these communities that share our roots, culture, and heritage. Furthermore, consider the countless others who are being abused today in private due to a lack of support and outdated ideologies that persist alongside every instance of abuse captured on camera.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused anxiety, fear, and frustration, experts have reported an increase in domestic violence cases involving unemployed individuals, some of whom are depressed or have other mental health issues, and where there are ongoing conflicts in these relationships.

The lingering shadow and struggle to break free from certain historical beliefs persist.

Some men who hold deeply held beliefs may believe they have the right to control women and that women are not equal to men. Scholars have observed a link between colonialism and the dehumanization of Black females confined to the kitchen, highlighting the tragic period of slavery.

Even though the tragic colonial past continues to cause psychological suffering in many people, we must refute the idea that this dark period is solely to blame for the mistreatment of some women.

As noted earlier, many victims remain silent out of fear of losing their financial support, economic status, racial tolerance, and social standing while they navigate the cultural and legal complexities that lead to further isolation.

Is it time for a new treatment program?

Fortunately, this October has provided another opportunity to look deeper beyond gender stereotypes, masculinity, and sexuality, all of which can obstruct self-observation.

Experts also noted that, despite the efforts of a few groups, classes tend to remain in the shadows. They are understaffed and often close abruptly, and offenders frequently require the cooperation of law enforcement to ensure that they attend treatment programs.

When treatment programs are available, dropout rates remain high, and victims will use cultural reasons to justify their absence. According to experts, the lack of resources suffocated by poverty can make it difficult to connect families or victims to programs in many Latin American, African, and Caribbean communities, as well as other poor and developing areas.

Because a victim may not have a visible scar, the non-intervention mentality must end. Many studies have found that even after the violence has stopped, victims continue to use the healthcare system more than others.

Whether in Barbados, Boston, or the United Kingdom, or as a gay person living under a bridge in the Caribbean, being victimized should make no difference. It hurts everywhere, and everyone must work together to develop solutions to this problem, including victims, advocates, providers, law enforcement, and even previous offenders.

Is your community doing enough to bring this issue to light, or should political leaders wear victims of domestic violence on campaign buttons?

Part III

Aside from the light, camera, and dance:

Yes, there will be dancing to the latest Soca, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Reggae, and Latin rhythms, African Beats, or any other cultural events around the globe. However, beneath the layers of dazzling costumes and the harmonious pulse of one-love vibes, there lies a heart aching like a flower crushed underfoot, suffering from the irrational decisions of those who perpetrate violence.

Many communities were able to reduce stigma through awareness and accountability, even as medical advances made the HIV/AIDS epidemic a more manageable disease.

We must move away from minimalism, acknowledge and create a safer space for victims, and hold abusers accountable for their actions.

Today, our society is becoming more accepting, with advocates promoting equality, but it has been a long and winding road. Some social, religious, and political groups continue to regard lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender relationships as sinful and morally repugnant.

It is more difficult for a victim in these communities to seek and receive help in an abusive relationship because of their identity.

No, you don’t have to be a member of the LGBTQ community or a victim to support these organizations.

Once again, it’s clear that as a society, we need to shift our focus. We can’t just rely on famous individuals, who some of us consider role models, to dictate our opinions on weather, sports, and the arts.

When celebrities are caught on camera committing domestic violence, far too many individuals, particularly those in that circular orbit, exploit their troubles to engage in what I refer to as selective outrage.

While no one can tell you how to feel or mourn a victim, we can use our anger, outrage, or disappointment to examine the larger issue.

It’s all too easy to get caught up in the social media frenzy, gaining likes and followers while ignoring the other victims in underserved communities who lack a voice or resources and are often not believed when they come forward.

What’s next is Up to You!

Making people aware of the need to change course begins with you and your community. Please consider usinge consider using your platform because, while we appear to be closer than ever in terms of social media awareness, we appear to be further apart in terms of helping each other. Keep yourself safe!