Dear editor,
Domestic abuse is like no other crime. It can affect individuals of all genders, ages, races, social statuses, and sexual orientations. It changes the way you function, how you think, and your actions. Domestic abuse is a growing issue that can change how our world will function.
Domestic abuse can come in a mutiplitute of abuses ranging from sexual and emotional to psychological. When someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, they can show signs of abuse. They may show signs of physical abuse such as bruises, swelling, and limited eating. Emotionally and physiologically, they might feel afraid of their partner, feel alone even with others, and not exhibit traditional behaviors that they typically would.
When confronting someone about domestic abuse, it’s important to understand the signs of abuse. Many of the victims may not recognize the signs. Abuse at first can be seen through small actions such as an excuse to keep you away from someone. As time goes on, they may prevent you from seeing others, including your family. They may resort to physical or other types of abuse to prevent you from seeing others. It’s important to know the signs of abuse so even if you aren’t in an abusive relationship, you can recognize one and be prepared to help others who are in one.
Of the reported accounts of abuse, women make up 85 percent of the reports. Approximately 1 in 4 women will experience a form of abuse in a relationship during their lifetime. Although women make up 85 percent of the reported abuses, men still are abused as well. 1 in 10 men have been abused. One reason for this difference in abuse rates is a result of women being more likely to report abuse. Males are more likely to suppress the abuse and not report it.
If you recognize that you are being abused, it is important to reach out to someone to ask for help. You can report the abuse to an official, officer, or someone you can trust. If you are a victim of abuse, call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or reach out to your family, friend or group for help and support. In many cases, the abuser may retaliate and threaten to hurt or even kill if you leave the relationship. The hardest part of domestic abuse is leaving the abusive relationship, but with help and support you can get through it.
— Thomas Pris,
Altamont
