From the Editors

Fact. Every nine seconds a women is physically abused.

Fact. Over 50,000 calls are made to domestic violence crisis center lines throughout the state of Georgia.

Fact. 22 to 35 percent of women who visit medical emergency rooms are there for injuries related to ongoing partner abuse.

Fact. Domestic violence is alive and real.

Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of injury to women today. Domestic violence is often underestimated, but it is important to know that it is more than just a push, a slap or a punch; it is a violent act of control.

It is that type of violence that begins with physical control and ends with mental control. It is that type of control that occurs over a period of time and effects many women today.

Although some people chose to ignore the situation, Georgia College & State University decided to recognize those who are victims of spousal abuse. GC&SU held a luminary ceremony not only for domestic violence but also for the lives lost during the Sept. 11 attack.

Students, faculty and staff filled the rows of front campus with candles, remembering the lives that have been lost. It is refreshing to know that this university not only takes a stand against domestic violence but also educates the community of GC&SU on the subject.

Lack of education is often a problem concerning domestic violence. Many people do not understand that domestic violence is about control. It is about one person dominating the other; whether it is mental or physical, it is still a harmful and often deadly form of control.

It is important to know that battery is not just a loss of temper, but it is an establishment of fear in a relationship through physical control. Domestic violence has no face. It happens to women and some men of all cultures, races and occupations. It is not love but hate.

The longer we allow it to occur, the longer we stand by and do nothing, the statistics become larger, facts increase and women will continue to be violated every nine seconds.

Fact. One in five women victimized by their spouse or ex-spouse report that they have been victimized over and over again by the same person.

Fact. Women who leave their batterers are at a 75 percent greater risk of being killed by the batterer than those who stay.

Fact. There are nearly three times as many animal shelters in the U. S. as there are shelters for battered women and their children.

Fact. If you or someone you know is or has been a product of domestic violence, there is help.

For more information, please contact the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 19 2001. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry