DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HITS HOME
She lies there with a tube in her trachea to help her breathe. There is
a large bandage covering the knife wound, which the doctors have sutured
back together. Her eyes are blackened and bruised. Her nose and jaw are broken.
She represents some one we could, or do, know who has been a victim of domestic
violence.
A woman is beaten every 15 seconds. Women of all cultures, races, occupations, income levels and ages are battered. Domestic violence, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, is use of physical force so as to damage or injure, those belonging to the house or home. Violence also occurs as emotional, verbal, psychological, financial or sexual abuse. It is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15-45 in the U.S.
What can we do? Women are afraid to share their abuse stories. We need to be aware and alert for the signs and symptoms which include: injuries to the face, breasts, abdomen and buttocks, multiple injuries, bruises that are in various stages of healing, depression, anxiety, self-directed abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, fractures, kidney damage, migraine headaches.
Women in abusive relationships are experiencing demeaning remarks and most
feel a lack of personal power. What a woman needs, at this point, is compassion,
care and belief that she is a worthy human being.
These women are asked, "Why don't you just leave?" There are multiple
reasons why they don't leave. Rather than judge or blame the victim we need
to be supportive with statements such as "you are a worthwhile person", "you
do not deserve this". Tell them "I do not believe that women are
at fault when they are hurt by people they love."
Some strategies we can use to help women in this situation are to:
- Collaborate with her to make a safety plan which includes suggestions
for packing a bag that includes her children's favorite toys, identification,
important personal documents, emergency cash and a list of phone numbers.
- Help in defining her choices
- Contact information for shelters for women and children i.e.: Brewster
Center or the Association for Women and Children in Tucson.
Websites:
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:
www.ncadv.org,
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
www.ndvh.org or 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
These women are our sisters, mothers, daughters, friends, even if we don't know them, and they deserve our attention. If you have a level of suspicion about this, don't turn your back on them. If you are afraid or don't know how to confront the situation, call one of the resources yourself and learn how you can help. Please don't ignore the signs and just walk away.
Luke 10:33
Sharon Campbell is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) who owns A New Creation Women’s Clinic. Well versed in Women’s Health, her emphasis is on reproductive and gynecological health. Sharon can be reached at: 293-1117.
© 2008 Good News Tucson
