Why Women Allow Abuse

Here a just a few statistics to ponder:

• Every 9-15 seconds in the United States a woman is assaulted or beaten.
• At least one in every three women has been beaten worldwide.
• Every day in the United States, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.
• Most women who have been physically abused by their partners never contact anyone for help.
• Men who have witnessed domestic violence as a child are twice as likely to abuse their own wives.

More than likely, women who accept abuse come from dysfunctional families. Some are fatherless. Some are abused by older siblings. Some are mistreated and degraded by their own mothers. Sometimes they are emotionally or mentally abused by an alcoholic or drug addict in the family.

Growing up in an environment such as this proves to be “normal” for those who have experienced it. Even if they have been shown, taught, told, and counseled differently, it is still a familiar way of life for them. Familiarity is more comfortable than the unknown.

Some victims become violent themselves. Many victims have been beaten down so badly, physically and emotionally, that they have very little self esteem. Some even believe they deserve it. Most are codependent. Most don’t leave the abusive relationship out of sheer terror from the threats made by their abuser.

There are a few ways to break the cycle of violence. If there are children involved, this is the most important thing to do for the sake of future generations.

Many cities have protective shelters. Many women can find friends or family members to help them through the leaving process. It is extremely important to have a safety plan when the abused decides to leave the abuser.

Children MUST understand that violence is not an acceptable behavior. They must be shown by example and not just taught. It is extremely important for a child to grow up in a loving home so that they understand how to have a loving home when they become adults.

Please do not expose your children to the ugliness of domestic violence!

If you find yourself in a situation where domestic violence has become part of your life, or if you know someone in this situation, here are some hotlines that can help you. The people who answer these phones are professionals and will do what they can to provide a safe haven for you to run to.

There are several counseling centers, batter women shelters, and other means to escape the type of behavior you have been subjected to.

The United States National Domestic Violence Hotline is:

1-800-799-SAFE/1-800-799-7233 and 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

As always, in any emergency situation, call 911.

It is also important to recognize that men can be victims of domestic violence and emotional abuse as well. Nobody deserves to endure unwanted touching or to be mistreated by the use of demeaning language.

Thank you for your interest in my writing. I certainly hope the read was helpful and enlightening. I am extremely interested in the opinions of others, so please feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below.

"Be kind to one another" ~ Ellen

God Bless You ~ Margaret Sullivan