Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Domestic violence numbers increase in many states
4 comments
There is some chilling new evidence that indicates that the rates of domestic violence increased in 2009. Interestingly enough, according to FBI statistics, many cities reported falling crime rates:
Unfortunately, the FBI doesn't track domestic violence homicides as a separate category, so it's difficult to tell if DV cases are are on the rise.
But phone calls to state anti-violence coalitions and to the Washington, D.C.-based National Network to End Domestic Violence are revealing that in many states, domestic violence deaths rose in 2009, sometimes dramatically.
Some are speculating that the increased violence is being caused by stress related to the recession - that lost jobs, debt, and evictions may be contributing. What does everyone else think? Why the increase in domestic violence? And most important, what can we do about it?
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
FBI figures indicate law-enforcement agencies throughout the nation reporting a decrease of 4.4 percent in the number of violent crime offenses for the first six months of 2009, compared with the same period in 2008. The violent crime category includes murder, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault.
Nationwide, FBI statistics for 2009 show a 10 percent decrease in murders.
Unfortunately, the FBI doesn't track domestic violence homicides as a separate category, so it's difficult to tell if DV cases are are on the rise.
But phone calls to state anti-violence coalitions and to the Washington, D.C.-based National Network to End Domestic Violence are revealing that in many states, domestic violence deaths rose in 2009, sometimes dramatically.
Some are speculating that the increased violence is being caused by stress related to the recession - that lost jobs, debt, and evictions may be contributing. What does everyone else think? Why the increase in domestic violence? And most important, what can we do about it?
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
Posts
February 18, 2010 at 2:16 PM
In my opinion, DV is definitely a crime, it's a crime in your own household! The society needs to give more attention towards DV the same way they give their attention to American Idol.
It happened to me once; My brother used to beat us up (me and other younger siblings) like craps, but my parents never reported anything to the authorities because they insisted that my brother was "sick". He stop beating us 2 years ago, after going to a therapy. but none of us are in talking terms with him anymore.
February 21, 2010 at 2:20 PM
The fact that there are deaths due to DV every year is appaling to me. I cannot even believe that I just read that. The most upseting aspect of this issue is that I honestly have no idea what can be done to stop this. Other than raise awarness by writing blogs like this it is not really something that is easy to do. Even if the word is put out there, it is contingent on the individual weather or not they plan to take it seriously.
Ultimatly I dont see how anything can be done to help stop this, and that is what makes me break into tears. The sad thing about DV is that once it starts it really never stops, and even if someone removes themselves from that, the person who was abusive will probably never stop.
February 22, 2010 at 6:25 PM
I agree with Marliz, the only way to stop DV is to raise awareness. The public must view this issue and its seriousness without turning the other cheek. Especially when the one you love is committing the crime it is always that much more difficult to report him/her. There could be numerous more accounts of DV that go unreported each and every year.
February 22, 2010 at 11:55 PM
I'm sure the recession does have a lot to do with the raise in DV cases. I learned in my Psychology class a couple years ago that unemployed men undergo far more stress because they feel the need to financially provide for their family. When they have no source of income, they feel like failures. This frustration and often times depression can definitely lead to hostility. That is not the root problem though. We cannot blame domestic violence on the recession because regardless of that, the mindset that violence against women is acceptable in some cases is still present. This mindset will always be dangerous to women and like everyone else has said, awareness is key.