Abused Women - Victims of Domestic Violence



Violence against women - photo by Breahn

You may have read fiction with themes about women and children being abused or bullied. You may have read novels and not realised that what you were reading is a form of abuse towards women since many behaviours and phrases become acceptable over time. Check out the 1930s 1940s films and see how many times a 'broad' gets slapped or pushed around.
Domestic violence towards women is a known common worldwide problem. However, all statistics are 'guestimates' because many women, in fear of their lives, do not report abuse. I'm not saying men do not suffer from types of abuse - usually psychological and verbal but overall more women are abuse victims.

Abuse – A Daily Occurrence – Why?

Domestic violence is widespread, yet, even though there is information and help available, numerous women do not choose to use it and/or cannot fight their legal systems because they do not have the appropriate resources at hand.
The US organisation of Domestic Violence Statistics, using reports based on data from ten countries state that “between 55 percent and 95 percent of women who had been physically abused by their partners had never contacted non-governmental organisations, shelters, or the police for help.” Therefore, statistics of abuse and domestic violence should be viewed only as an approximation, a fact reiterated in the 22-page report of The Australian Domestic Violence Clearing House on "Australian Statistics on Domestic Violence."
According to the DomesticViolenceStatistics.Org in the United States:
  • A woman is assaulted or beaten every 9 seconds.
  • More than 3 women daily are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.
  • Worldwide, at least 1 in every 3 women has been abused during her lifetime.
In a 53-page report, "Family Violence in Canada: A Statistical Profile, 2009", by the General Social Survey (GSS) found that 6% of Canadian women “reported being physically or sexually victimised by their spouse in the 5 years preceding the survey.”
According to NOW National Organisation for Women, over 50% of Canadian women have experienced abuse since the age of 16.
In the United Kingdom, according to Women’s aid:
  • 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime.
  • One occurrence of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute.
  • About 2 women a week are killed by a current or former male partner.

Abuse and Domestic Violence Daily Occurrences

Despite pages of reports and numerous organisations including the Family Violence Prevention Fund and the white ribbon campaign , women who suffer physical, sexual, and emotional abuse remain victimised and do not seek out help. When they do find the courage to step forward, like Amy, the system often fails them and leaves them devastated.
The information given by Amy is an extract taken from the author's interview with her. Some of the details have been changed to protect the identity of mother and child.


Adapted from the article "Domestic Violence Abused Women's Daily Hell: Who Really Listens?" first published Feb 24, 2011, by  Lesley Lanir on Suite101.com.
Copyright Lesley Lanir. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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