juanita antonio (Domestic Violence)

                                 Domestic Violence 

My civil engagement action will be focused on Domestic Violence. I believe this is a really big issue in our society  that we need to focus on. With this project my goal is to help victims of domestic violence by reporting it and taking action. It is inhuman and wrong for someone to be mistreated over and over again victims need to be helped and pushed to report and leave that abusive relationship or individual. I would love to help my community members by getting ride of the toxic partners that are affecting them not mentally but sometimes even physically.  Its time to speak up!

So what is Domestic Violence?

"Domestic violence can be physical or psychological, and it can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner.Insults, threats, emotional abuse and sexual coercion all constitute domestic violence. Some perpetrators may even use children, pets, or other family members as emotional leverage to get the victim to do what they want"

(physical today, pg1).

There are different types of domestic abuse like I mentioned before.  Anything that could hurt an individual emotionally or physically would be consider domestic violence.Experts mention that "Victims experience diminished self-worth, anxiety, depression, and a general sense of helplessness that can take time and often professional help to overcome." This is a serious problem in our society and harms many people. Sats  show that 1 out of 4 women are victims of domestic violence and 1 out of 7.Domestic violence can get so big that can also lead for someones death. Usually the death people are women, "10 percent of American women will be raped by intimate partners in their lifetime, and intimate partners, usually men, are responsible for killing one-third of female murder victims annually." Studies show that women have trouble leaving their partner even though they are being mistreated.  

In 1979, psychologist Lenore Walker found that many violent relationships follow a common pattern or cycle. The entire cycle may happen in one day or it may take weeks or months. It is different for every relationship and not all relationships follow the cycle.This cycle has three main stages which the first phase is called the Tension where blaming,anger, and arguing accuses,destroy property,isolates and usually the victims attempt to claim him/her an stays away from family,friends. The second phase is Explosion, where the batter hits,chokes,humiliates,rape,verbal abuse,throws things or use of weapons.Yet the victims response would be calls the police, tries to stay calm,try to reason the action. Lastly, the honeymoon stage where the I'm sorry comes in, begs forgiveness,promises, to get counseling,sends flowers/presents,"i will never do it again". The victim returns and take the partner back. This repeats as many times as the victim returns and that is unhealthy for not only the victim but for children if the couple has any.

My personal thoughts on this topic is that this issue is getting out of control none should be living this type of life with their partner. Everyone deserves someone that loves them which means No type of abuse not verbal or physical. Some advise I'd liked to give to my community members is to be very careful with people you are talking to look for the warning signs and if they have more than any go them please back away. Its all for your own health.

What do you think of Domestic Violence?

"This is an on going issue in our society, as a social worker I see this  affecting primary  our hispanic community, our community needs to be more aware regarding this topic because it does not only affect the victims and perpetrator but also affects the children in the home."


"If a guy hits a girl, he is a .....period"
Chris Hernandez

What advise would you give to a victim of Domestic violence?
"The advise I would give a person that is going through domestic violence is to ask for professional help. There are so many resources that could help them, when the help is given take advantage because other victims that don't have resources."

References  

“Domestic Violence.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/domestic-violence.

                     \

The Cycle of Domestic Violence?, http://www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org/domestic-violence-cycle.html.