DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Cheryl Chevalier Goins
Kaplan University

Domestic Violence

For almost two decades Karen Cox was repeatedly abused by her husband, Ferdinand Smith. Karen made multiple attempts to receive protection from her local police department; unfortunately it did not happen fast enough. In January 2013 Karen’s husband was so enraged that he shot her multiple times in the head and chest, killing her. (Eiserer, 2013) Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied. “No one should live in fear of the person they love”. (Smith Melinda and Segal, Jeanne; 2013). Keep in mind domestic violence is not only physical abuse but verbal abuse as well. Due to low self esteem and lack of knowledge women may stay in abusive situations, but there is a way out with the assistance of family and friends, women's organizations and their local police department. Family and friends can play a key role in assisting women who are victims receive help; they can act as a support group for these women. “ As a friend or a family member we need to focus on supporting the friends right to make her own decision. A family member or friend can lend a listening ear, tell the friend that you care and are willing to listen. Never force the issue, but allow the victim to confide in you at her own pace”. (Helping the Battered Woman, 2003). Many victims appreciate it when someone reaches out to help them, victims will see this as an act of caring , You can be the first source of support to the victim . As a friend or family member offering our home to a victim of domestic violence is a great way to show we care; Often times shelters are full and have to turn victims away and they end up going back to their abuser. There are many different Women organizations and shelters to assist women of domestic violence. When women are faced with an emergency situation and need to find safety and shelter, there is an abundance of organizations one can turn to. These organizations offer advocates that will provide support, assistance and emergency referral services for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. These advocates are trained to respond to a crisis call; and help the victim out of the home if she cannot leave or to help find shelter if she has already left. Many shelters are located right in your own neighborhood, to insure the safety of the victims there no signs marking its presence, this way victims as well as employees are safe. Shelters are funded by private groups, private donations, fundraising, cities and county organizations, but all with one goal in mind and that is to keep the victim and children safe. Domestic violence can result in death of an individual if not treated accurately, a 911 call made to the police will be treated the same as any other life threatening calls. Not all of the law enforcement agencies in the US react the same way to domestic violence calls, but all of the agencies have a protocol that must be followed. In some cases if there are signs of abuse and both parties are present, the person not affected will be taken into custody. Our legal system is not perfect when it comes to domestic abuse, nevertheless the system must follow the laws that have been put into place by our government. The police are there to