It's Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
If you have ever known of a woman in a dangerous or a bad relationship, you may have asked yourself, why doesn't she get out?
The following is quoted from the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance (www.vadv.org)
Why do women stay with men who beat them?
There are a number of obstacles to leaving an abusive relationship. Many victims do not want the relationship to end; they only want the violence to end and their partner to change. Leaving a relationship is a difficult action even under the best of circumstances. Violent relationships are complex and women in these relationships are subjected to barriers and obstacles that limit their options. Common factors and obstacles which play a part in a battered women’s decision to stay in the relationship or leave her assailant include:
- Economics
- Wants a father for the children
- Religions values and beliefs concerning marriage
- Love for her partner, he is not always abusive and has a “good side”
- Belief that the violence is deserved and is punishment for her mistakes
- Belief and hope in her partner’s promises to change, including the belief in perpetrator treatment (i.e. “I know he’ll stop if he goes to therapy”)
- Encouragement by family and friends to stay in the relationship
- Isolation
- Nowhere to go; lack of job skills, housing, transportation, money
- Unaware that domestic violence is a crime, including legal alternatives and resources for protection
- Ineffective local criminal justice response for protection and support
- FEAR—for her own safety and the safety of her children or others
What can I do if I know someone in an abusive relationship?
- Believe her; be supportive and let her talk about her situation
- Reassure her that she does not deserve the abuse; it’s not her fault
- Contact your nearest domestic violence program for support for her and you
The Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline can tell you who serves your area: 1-800-838-8238
If you find yourself in a situation or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, make the call or encourage them to make the call and get the support necessary to find safety and sanity.
Here are some resources available in the area for victims of domestic violence:
Family Violence Program Family Service of Roanoke P.O. Box 6600 3208 Hershberger Road, NW Roanoke VA 24017 Business #: 703-563-5316
The Turning Point - The Salvation Army 815 Salem Avenue, SW Roanoke VA 24016 Business #: 703-345-0400 Hotline/Crisis: 703-345-0400
Total Action Against Poverty's Women's Res. Ctr. 145 Campbell Ave. SW P.O. Box 2868 Roanoke VA 24001 Business #: 703-345-6781
For more information, check out the Domestic Violence Action Alliance - "Commonly Asked Questions" page linked here.
Is there a topic or activity you'd like to have reported here? Please take a moment to leave a comment or send an email with your ideas. solodotmom@gmail.com ...Waiting to hear from you. Oh and don't forget to subscribe to get all the tips around Roanoke for single moms.
(Follow me on twitter too, @kitkat4real)
Comments