Domestic Violence Essay[1]

Overview “The twentieth century will be remembered as a century marked by violence” (Nelson Mandela). Women injured or humiliated by violent partners is one example. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused or denied. It is said that Violence thrives in the absence of democracy, respect for human rights and good governance, however no country, no city, no community is immune, but what are the causes of this trend? And how much financial help, mental health services and legal advices are offered to the victims of domestic violence? And further more how do these agencies interact efficiently with each other? This report will consider the importance of implementing a more effective and collaborative multi agency efforts to provide domestic violence victims appropriated services support. My argument will be that with new statutes and policies, the legal flaws in our judicial system could be closed. I believe in that way the victim of domestic violence would feel more support. Different Solutions to the problem, areas to be reformed: 1) Broader concept of Domestic Violence: a) Domestic violence is not only a family problem but a social one. 2) International perspective: b) Newer and more active Immigration Laws family oriented. 3) More Financial support to victims of domestic violence and their families. 4) Statistics The issue of domestic violence is not a local, regional or national epidemic but it transcendent to international levels in all part of the world, regardless of race, religion or origin. I strongly believe that the United States should not only be a fighter to support

international democratic principles through the wars but we must play an active role, live by example and show the world our commitment against the domestic violence epidemic with tougher principles and laws. Economically, $ 65 million annually 2007-2011 has been reauthorized to be administered by the Attorney General. Reauthorizes the grant program for legal services for protection orders and related family, criminal, immigration, administrative agency, and housing matters. (Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005) Lifetime prevalence of Intimate partner violence. (Virginia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Fact Sheet 2005-2007) - 18.5 % of Virginian adults experienced IPV (Intimate partner violence) at some point in their life. Almost 1 in 4 women (23.3%) and 1 in 6 men (12%) experienced IPV at some point in their life. - 13.8% of adults (15.2% of women and 9% of men) reported actual physical violence in their lifetime, this includes experiencing being hit, slapped, pushed, kicked, or physically hurt in any way. - 5.3% of adults reported experiencing unwanted sex by a current or former intimate partner. - The most commonly reported perpetrators of IPV were males (73.7%), this includes current or former husbands, boyfriends, male fiancés, and male live-in or dating partners. - IPV was higher among multiracial people (33.5%) than black (22.1%), Hispanic (20.9%), other (18.5%) or white (18.2%) Regarding Virginia hospitals and in reference to victims of Domestic violence, hospital policies do not provide adequate direction for identifying, assessing, treating and referring

victims of IPV. In conclusion, as models of democratic principles through the world, the US needs to create reforms to our already existing policies in order to generate better, safer and more democratic communities where the main goal is to protect human dignity and respect for one another. The Domestic violence epidemic could not be stopped if our government, legal and social institutions do not create better policies, tougher laws and incorporates strong networks with the support of scientifically-based research and better data collection practices. Therefore, I believe that the best approach to fight the global evil and international discrimination of women would be better resolved if we create a more comprehensive and collaborative problem solving approach where all nations are involved in the making of policy and laws. Beatriz Porras