MYTHS AND FACTS
Myth: Domestic Violence only affects a small percentage of the population.
Reality: In fact the U.S. Bureau of Justice reports that on average more than 3 women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends each day in the United States. MSCFV served 1048 clients in 2004-2005. Much like sexual assault, domestic violence is often under reported therefore statistics are likely higher than documented.
Myth: Domestic Violence does not produce serious injuries.
Reality: Domestic Violence is the #1 cause of injury to women today and is the #1 reason women have emergency surgery. 25%-45% of battering occurs during pregnancy, 324,000 women per year are beaten during pregnancy. Again, these statistics could be low since injuries resulting from domestic violence are often misdiagnosed or undisclosed.
Myth: Abusing alcohol and/or drugs causes people to batter.
Reality: There are individuals who abuse alcohol and do not beat their partners just as there are abusers who do not use alcohol. Both victims and abusers use the alcohol or substance abuse as an excuse for violent behavior.
Myth: It's easy for victims of domestic violence to leave their abuser.
Reality: Victims typically leave 5 to 8 times before leaving the relationship for good. After a victim leaves the relationship they are in the most danger. Domestic Violence is about having power and control over your partner. When a victim leaves, the abuser has lost that power and control and can become desperate to get it back, using more violent means to do so. No one can assure a victims safety and therefore it can be difficult for a victim to make the decision to leave.
Myth: Even if the spouse is violent, it is better for the children to have two parents.
Reality: A National Survey of American Families showed that 50% of men who frequently assaulted their wives also frequently assaulted their children. Between 3.3 and 10 million children per year witness some form of domestic violence. Children who are raised in homes where domestic violence occurs are more likely to perpetuate the cycle of violence in their own relationships. Up to 40% of violent juvenile offenders witnessed domestic violence in their homes. Finally, 63% of males incarcerated between the ages of 12-20 were there for assaulting or killing their mother's abuser. Abuse is a learned behavior and the longer children witness or experience domestic violence the more difficult the effects are to reverse.
Myth: Domestic Violence occurs more often in families who are poorly educated and come from a lower socioeconomic class.
Reality: Everyone is a potential victim. Domestic violence crosses all socioeconomic, educational, religious, ethnic and occupational boundaries. 64% of victims of domestic violence are Caucasian. More than 50% of victims are considered middle class or above.
Myth: Batterers are violent in all their relationships.
Reality: Often abusers are very well liked in the community. They could be a local coach, active in the church etc. Because abusers are often liked by others it makes the victim feel like the abuse is her fault. It also causes the victim to feel that she will not be believed by the community if she discloses the abuse.
Myth: Domestic violence is a private family matter. Officials are acting in the best interests of the family by not interfering.
Reality: Domestic violence is a societal problem. It effects healthcare, the education system, justice system, workplace and community.
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