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BATTERED WOMEN
Did you know...
In California, it is a crime for any
person to threaten, beat, sexually assault, or otherwise harm
another person, even if they are married or just dating.
Domestic Violence is more than just
a "family problem"- it's a crime!
Battering is not exclusively a crime
against women, but women do constitute the majority of victims;
thus this publication is primarily directed to the battered woman.
Although we have few statistics on
incident of domestic violence, we do know that:
* Approximately 30% of female
homicide victims in the United States are killed by their husbands
or boyfriends.
* Females are much more likely than
males to be killed by their spouse.
* Domestic Violence affects at least
one out of every four American families.
* From 1973-1981 the United States
Department of Justice statistics reports that 2.2 million women
reported abuse by a male.
Why Do They Stay?
The most frequently asked question
concerning a battering situation is why does she stay? While
reasons cover the range from children, love, guilt, fear pride,
embarrassment, financial dependence or a combination thereof. It
is very possible the woman is unaware that she may be locked into
a violence cycle.
Three Phase Theory of Family
Violence
The family violence cycle consists
of three phases: the tension-building phase, the battering
incident, then the loving reconciliation.
1. Tension Building Phase
During this phase, the woman senses
her mate's increasing tension. He is edgy and perhaps challenges
her and tells her she is stupid, incompetent, etc. The woman may
internalize her appropriate anger at the man's unfairness and
experience physical effects such as; depression, tension, anxiety,
and headaches. As the tension in the relationship increases, minor
episodes of violence increases, such as pinching, slapping, or
shoving.
2. Battering Incident
The tension building phase ends in
an explosion of violence. The woman may or may not fight back.
Following the battering, she is in a state of physical and
psychological shock. The man may discount the episode and
underestimate the woman's injuries.
3. Loving Reconciliation:
During the last phase of the family
violence cycle, both parties have a sense of relief that "it's
over." The man is often genuinely sorry for what happened and is
fearful that his partner will leave him. He apologizes and may
"shower" her with love and praise that helps her repair her
shattered self-esteem. He tells her he can't live without her, so
she feels responsible for his well-being and guilty for her
actions and blames herself for what led up to the abuse.
Increasing Spiral of Violence
Once violence has begun, it
continues to increase in both frequency and severity.
Understanding the psychological consequences of her violent
relationship can help the woman take power and choose constructive
alternatives, as well as aid those who intervene those to help
her.
If you Become a Victim of
Domestic Violence
* Make sure you are safe from
another beating.
* Call Campus Safety without delay.
* Whenever you believe you are in
danger, leave you room. Also, take important papers such as your
birth certificate, vehicle registration, etc.
* Get medical attention. Don't try
to treat yourself; you may be injured much more seriously than you
realize.
* Seek assistance. Whether or not
you file charges against your batterer, you may need to talk to a
professional about your situation. Contact the Counseling Center,
Area Coordinator, your local battered women's shelter, women's
support group or victim's assistance center.
* Save all the evidence (proof) that
you can. You might even want to take photographs of your injuries.
Whether or not you file charges now, you may later change your
mind will need proof that you have been assaulted.
A Way Out
Everyone has the right to be safe
from threats and beatings but you must take that first step. Once
you recognize that it isn't you fault and its is possible to
change your situation, seek the help you need to correct your
situation.
Help is Available
If you want the help of a women's
organization and aren't sure if there's one in your community,
contact the phone number below for further information.
Women's and Children's
Crisis Center, Whittier
(562) 945-3939 (24 hours)
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