Nina To/The Cougar
Domestic violence is an issue that can oftentimes be overlooked. It is a very nuanced problem that not everyone can fully understand. It’s one of those things when heard about, there’s sympathy but little action or thought.
With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it becomes apparent that this information often goes overlooked due to a lack of understanding on the many different factors of domestic violence.
More than just physical harm
The most common misconception is that domestic violence is only associated with physical harm. Although this is definitely a traumatic and serious part of it, this isn’t the only form of abuse.
Many victims experience abusive behaviors that aren’t physical harm or assault. Psychological control over another is something that perpetuates toxic and violent relationships.
Oftentimes, it is emotional harm that can lead to a destructive cycle of abuse. Someone maintaining power over another causes victims to feel trapped, making it hard to break the cycle.
Exerting power over another can be things like isolation, intimidation, making threats and gaslighting someone. These types of things mess with a person’s mind.
Physical harm can leave damage on someone’s body, but emotional, economic, cultural and ritual abuse can bruise someone’s brain. Victims will start to lose touch with themselves and reality, an exploitation that can completely change their lives.
Domestic violence does not dwindle down to one form of harm.
It is an extremely nuanced problem that needs to be addressed. Spreading awareness and helping those in need starts with not overlooking all the factors that contribute to domestic violence.
It is an ongoing issue that affects too many people worldwide. About 35.6% of women and about 28.5% of men experience some sort of domestic abuse. Unfortunately, it is hard to eliminate these numbers. But people can become educated on the topic, so they can recognize the signs and save the people around them.
Leaving is not that simple
One of the biggest complexities in domestic violence cases is leaving the relationship.
Due to the systematic power being held over a victim, leaving can sometimes not feel like an option for some. They could be trapped due to financial or family reasons, or they can feel that leaving is more life-threatening than staying in the relationship.
It is such a hard thing that, for most, it can take multiple attempts before someone can leave for good.
Knowing the signs and patterns of domestic violence will help encourage more victims to break away from these relationships.
Ending the silence around the topic is something that needs to be done.
While Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized, there is still room for much more action. There are local women’s shelters and domestic violence shelters that offer resources and aid to victims and education to the public.
There is never a cap on how much awareness can be spread. Domestic violence often goes overlooked due to a lack of information and education.
This cannot be a neglected problem. It is not hard to learn about the nuances of abusive relationships. But to make a difference, the silence must be broken, and the issue can no longer be overlooked.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
