When I hear stories about domestic violence I cringe.I ask myself why would these women put themselves through this suffering and why don't they get help. People may disregard the issue of domestic violence because it is not their problem or it is not their buisness, but as a woman, as a human being, I feel I have a duty to reach out, spread awareness, and encourage people to seek help. This past Tuesday, February 3, 2009, my sorority sister and I held a workshop in honor of our sorority's, Chi Delta Sigma's, Founding Week.
Researching the statistics and watching youtube videos on domestic violence were shocking and heart aching. Women everywhere all over the world are victimized simply because they are women; because they are supposedly the "inferior sex;" because they live in a strongly patriarchal society. It saddens me to see how women are treated because it is a cycle of violence that keeps going, and if women do not seek help, a lot of the time they end up losing their lives and leaving the abuser to victimize others, especially if children are left behind.
Children who experience and/or witness domestic violence may often think violence is okay. Domestic violence is then carried onto the next generation and the cycle begins again. They may also have psychological and emotional problems and in some cases become neglected. That is why victims need to reach out for help, because so many others are affected directly and indirectly.
It's this sense of control that drives an abuser. Although both men and women can be victims of domestic violence, majority of the cases are of abused women. There is a great difference between abused men and women because of this sense of patriarchy. Although we are working towards equality, women still struggle to make themselves heard. Some men feel they have a right to take charge in a relationship, even if they aren't married.
Domestic violence goes beyond the household; beyond married couples. It can happen to anyone, no matter what marital status, age, gender, race, religion, etc. It could even happen in college.
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I think it's really sad how women are seen as inferior. Women and men are different and I think we should celebrate those differences rather than condemn women because they aren't like men. Men are seen as strong and rational, while women are seen as compassionate, emotional, and nurturing. Why does this make us inferior? I think the emotional aspects that many women have are a vital part of keeping our society in balance. What would happen if everyone was more testosterone driven?
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