Women being abused by their husbands, or other intimate partner, is a problem that must be dealt with on a global scale. Partner to partner violence transcends all social, economic and religious groups. It is a fact that women can also be violent. Abuse also exists in some same-sex relationships. The vast majority of partner abuse though, is by men against their female partners.

The recognition of partner abuse is only now becoming a growing concern within our community. It often shows signs of controlling behavior, such as one partner monitoring the other's movements, and/or isolating the other from family and friends.

The obvious signs of partner abuse can takes form of physical assault such as slaps, punches and beatings. It is important to understand that there is also psychological abuse that takes the form of intimidation, humiliation, and coercive sex.

Although domestic violence occurs in all socio-economic groups, it is considered women in the low income bracket that are more likely to experience violence than women of a higher income. It is felt that it is because that men, living in poverty are more likely to generate stress, frustration, and a sense of inadequacy for having failed to live up to the defined role of provider. Financial difficulties may also spark marital disagreements and at the same time make it difficult for women to leave violent or otherwise unsatisfactory relationships.

Low socio-economic status probably reflects a variety of conditions that, in combination, increase women's risk of victimization. The broad approach to abuse argues that that no one factor alone "causes" violence, but rather a combination of instances may cause a man to may act violently toward a woman. Another factor could be if the man either witnessed abuse as a child or was abused himself as a child- could this determine the likelihood of being an abuser himself? I personally feel that the more risk factors present, the higher the likelihood of violence.

Other factors of the social environment combine to protect some women yet bring out the insecurity in men, causing them to reclaim man's inherent superiority over women. For example, where the family is considered "private" and outside public scrutiny. or when the woman tries to gain authority and power outside the family, rates of wife abuse are higher. However, prompt intervention by friends and family members can often reduce the likelihood of domestic violence.

A good support group that helps to immediately rebuild the self respect and confidence of the women and children is necessary in order to begin to heal both mental and physical wounds. I was not as aware of this until a few of my classmates read my first article. Slowly, they began to open up to me in ways I did not expect. The women and men in my class told me of their ordeals- of how they witnessed first hand the abusive actions of their father, or of their mother's boyfriend or of the actions of their mother trying to protect them. I could see in their eyes that the pain was so deeply embedded that even now they speak of it, huddled with fervent glances and a child-like voice. One such person, I spoke with is a young man who is a boxing champion. He was proudly displaying the newspaper declaring his victory, the next moment looking off to the side, not wanting to show his momentary relapse of weakness.

May light and love shine on your path, and know that there is always an open door to those in need

>

Sign Guestbook View Guestbook