Domestic Violence May Lead To Crime
Every day, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in America. In 2000, there were 1,247 females and 440 males who were murdered by their partner. Additionally, homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant mothers; more than cancer, respiratory failure, car accidents, drug overdoses and suicide. While intimate partner crime may not always lead to such a tragic end, an abusive relationship may sneak up on the victim and escalate suddenly, and it may also leave the individual with long-lasting emotional scars.
Physical abuse is the most common definition of domestic violence crime. Behaviors range from hitting, grabbing and choking to throwing things or assaulting with a weapon. According to a Center for Disease Control study, individuals who were victims of intimate partner violence were three times more likely to get a sexually transmitted disease, more than twice as likely to smoke and binge drink and were more likely to have arthritis, high blood pressure and a disability later in life.
It's important to remember that even if the violence occurs in one's own home, the police have the power and authority to protect you from an attack. Additionally, they will be able to find you a temporary place to stay if you need one.
Sexual abuse is another common form of crime committed within the household. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that, "between one-third and one-half of all battered women are raped by their partners at least once during their relationship."
These situations could be forced sex when you clearly say you do not want it, it could be unsafe sex without condoms, or it could be degrading sexual activity. Crime experts say that females who are abused physically and sexually are at a high risk of being seriously injured or even murdered.
As an outside observer, the last thing you want to believe is that a friend or family member has become a victim of intimate partner crime. However, you need to be vigilant and recognize the warning signs because it may be difficult for a victim of such violence to simply "get out."
People may be suffering from abused if they have frequent "accidental" injuries, sudden absences from work, constant phone calls from their partners, fear of their partner's anger, personality changes, fear of conflict, lack of assertiveness, isolation, insufficient resources to live, depression, crying or low self esteem. To help your friend or family member, you can call a hotline to help plan an intervention.
Physical abuse is the most common definition of domestic violence crime. Behaviors range from hitting, grabbing and choking to throwing things or assaulting with a weapon. According to a Center for Disease Control study, individuals who were victims of intimate partner violence were three times more likely to get a sexually transmitted disease, more than twice as likely to smoke and binge drink and were more likely to have arthritis, high blood pressure and a disability later in life.
It's important to remember that even if the violence occurs in one's own home, the police have the power and authority to protect you from an attack. Additionally, they will be able to find you a temporary place to stay if you need one.
Sexual abuse is another common form of crime committed within the household. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that, "between one-third and one-half of all battered women are raped by their partners at least once during their relationship."
These situations could be forced sex when you clearly say you do not want it, it could be unsafe sex without condoms, or it could be degrading sexual activity. Crime experts say that females who are abused physically and sexually are at a high risk of being seriously injured or even murdered.
As an outside observer, the last thing you want to believe is that a friend or family member has become a victim of intimate partner crime. However, you need to be vigilant and recognize the warning signs because it may be difficult for a victim of such violence to simply "get out."
People may be suffering from abused if they have frequent "accidental" injuries, sudden absences from work, constant phone calls from their partners, fear of their partner's anger, personality changes, fear of conflict, lack of assertiveness, isolation, insufficient resources to live, depression, crying or low self esteem. To help your friend or family member, you can call a hotline to help plan an intervention.
