Enough is Enough

Enough is Enough
Domestic Violence is on the rise in our society. A major factor of domestic violence is its generational cycle in families with abusive histories. When spouses or intimate partners use physical abuse, emotional abuse, threats, harassment, or stalking to control those with whom they have relationships, they are guilty of domestic violence.
Victims in abusive relationship usually assume they are in some way responsible for the abuse. Victims are not responsible for the abuser behavior. Abuse is a result of one individuals exercising inappropriate control over another.
Domestic violence can occur in any level of society, regardless of ethnicity, income level, religion, education, or sexual orientation. Abuse happens between married couples or between unmarried people living together; between siblings or in dating relationships. Abuse can happen in heterosexual or homosexual relationships. While it is true that abuse can be inflicted upon anyone, women are the most frequent victims in American society according to official data. The US Department of Justice estimates that 94% of the reported assaults on spouses or persons in committed relationships are against women.
Domestic Violence is a learned response to stress, frustration, and anger. Children who grow up in an environment where control over others is exercised through verbal threats and intimidation are more likely to resort to the same methods of abuse as adults than those children who are reared in more empathetic households.
Many elements can contribute to abusive behaviors. These include poor physical or mental health, financial difficulties, alcoholism or substance abuse. Social and familial pressures can exacerbate destructive personal behavior patterns that are precursors of domestic abuse. These include such elements as volatile temperament, lack of empathy, poor communication skills, and narcissism.
Violent behavior may start when one person in a relationship feels a need to dominate the other. This need to control another person whether fueled by the low self-esteem, bouts of jealousy, or inability to control anger, causes abnormal demands that escalate into violence. Studies show that such violent behavior is often situational. Abusers learn such abnormal negative behavior from family, friends, and people in their community. Abusers also take their cues from cultural factors and social influences. Children who grow up witnessing violence may come to believe it is a reasonable means to resolve interpersonal conflict.
Domestic violence robs victims of their rights to maintain self-control. Victims struggle to keep themselves and those who depend upon them safe. Reporting the abusive incidents to law enforcement creates a paper trail and a formal record of abuse; this evidence will helpful to use in a court of law when necessary. Letting others know the problem exist and confiding in them will provide an outlet of validation for the victim. When the abuse is recognized and validated, the victim must decide what plan of action to take in order to be safe. The victim must decide whether to leave immediately or stay in the relationship and seek counseling. Whatever the decision a safety plan is essential for the safety of the victims.