Domestic violence ravages body and emotions
On local channel news this week, was a segment focused on a domestic violence dispute. The wife withdrew her complaint and it was said the officers were annoyed.
That sparked in me knowledge garnered from several years of working with women so involved. It may be difficult for people who have fortunately never experienced mental and/or emotional abuse – and it is abuse. The only difference is that it ravages the inside of the body and so the law does not see – does not give credence – to the suffering involved.
In New York, I was involved with the Speaker’s Bureau and served as a court advocate. At 9 a.m., when the intake department officially opened, there was a line of women waiting patiently to be heard and helped and guided through the maze of applying for an order of protection.
The long day involved: putting their experiences into a requisition for presentation to the court, guiding them through the maze of what their options included, and finally supporting them during their appearance before a judge.
By the end of their day’s ordeal, they were totally frazzled, their children were cranky, and friends who had come with them for support verbalized their own fears.
Back to the beginning question: Why do women rescind their orders?
1. Fear
2. Economics
3. Their children
The question is: How can we help the hurting people in our society? We each are a product of childhood. Our parents did the best – usually – they were able with their own background as example. What comes to the public’s attention is but a minute sample of the situations.
Families in Crisis is doing a magnificent job – day and night – of helping when situations surface. What about all the ones that do not?
The solution is to reach out to both parents and educate, educate, educate – showing them through hard-core evidence that abuse breeds abuse, breeds abuse. It’s a never-ending cycle. This is evident in road rage/rudeness/world situations as well. For now – if each community concentrates on its own – we each can help stem this venomous cycle.
Families in Crisis can use volunteers and will train. How about reaching out to neighbors in distress? It is so easy to “point a finger” and accuse. It is far wiser to offer support: monetarily/ volunteering/ fund-raising, etc. Call and the staff will gratefully guide as to how you can share your expertise.
Thank you from one who has escaped.
Crystal Rivers
P.O. Box 52
Morrison