Michigan State Police records from 1997
show that a woman is killed by a partner or former partner about once a week in
Michigan. In 1998, the Michigan State Police reported more than 5,000 victims of
domestic violence in Oakland County. Domestic violence only happens to poor
women and women of color.
Domestic violence happens in all kinds of families and relationships. Persons of
any class, culture, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age, and sex
can be victims or perpetrators of domestic violence. Some people deserve to be hit.
No one deserves to be abused. Period. The only person responsible for the abuse
is the abuser. Physical violence, even among family members, is wrong and
against the law. Alcohol, drug abuse, stress, and mental illness cause domestic
violence.
Alcohol use, drug use, and stress do not cause domestic violence; they may go
along with domestic violence, but they do not cause the violence. Abusers often
say they use these excuses for their violence. Generally, domestic violence
happens when an abuser has learned and chooses to abuse. Domestic violence is
rarely caused by mental illness, but it is often used as an excuse for domestic
violence. Domestic violence is a personal problem between a husband and a wife.
Domestic violence affects everyone. About 1 in 3 American women have been
physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their
lives. (Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across a Woman's Lifespan: the
Commonwealth Fund 1998 Survey of Women's Health, 1999) In 1996, 30% of all
female murder victims were killed by their husbands or boyfriends. (Federal
Bureau of Investigation, 1997) 40% to 60% of men who abuse women also abuse
children. (American Psychological Association, Violence and the Family, 1996)
If it were that bad, she would just leave.
There are many reasons why women may not leave. Not leaving does not mean that
the situation is okay or that the victim want to be abused. Leaving can be
dangerous. The most dangerous time for a woman who is being abused is when she
tries to leave. (United States Department of Justice, National Crime Victim
Survey, 1995)
MANY VICTIMS DO LEAVE AND LEAD SUCCESSFUL, VIOLENCE FREE LIVES