October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Judy Rhinesmith
  • 47th Medical Group
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas --  Every morning, somewhere in the United States, a police blotter will provide details of a domestic disturbance call. This report may, or may not, include injuries - many do. Some even report a death.

Domestic violence,also know as, intimate partner violence continues to be an ever escalating public health problem in our country. Each year, nearly 5.3 million incidents of IPV occur among women, ages 18 and older, and 3.2 million incidents occur among men. These individuals come from different socio-economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. What do they have in common that might put them "at risk" for IPV?

Statistics related to IPV/DV vary greatly due to how data sources define and collect data regarding this problem. Researchers and advocates believe that most IPV is never reported to police. Studies have concluded that about 20 percent of IPV incidents are rapes or sexual assaults, 25 percent are physical assaults and 50 percent are stalking incidents.

IPV is commonly defined or recognized as physical, sexual, or psychological harm to a person by a current or former partner or spouse. This violence does not require sexual intimacy and can vary in frequency and severity. There are four main types of IPV (Saltzman et al. 2002): physical, sexual, threats of physical or sexual and psychological/ emotional violence. This violence escalates over time; it may start with a slap or a shove, but often turns into a beating as time goes on.

Findings show that there are certain risk factors associated with a greater likelihood of IPV for victimization or perpetration. These factors are not necessarily the direct cause of IPV, but they are contributing factors to the problem. Examples of individual factors are low self esteem, low academic achievement, alcohol/drug use, witnessing or experiencing violence as a child, lack of social networks and social isolation. Some relationship factors include: marital conflict or instability, poor family functioning, emotional dependence and insecurity, belief in strict gender roles, power and control in a relationship, and exhibiting anger/hostility toward a partner. This is not an all inclusive list.

Not everyone who is identified as "at risk" becomes involved in violence. John and Joseph are friends. Both have the same individual risk factors: low self esteem, low income, heavy alcohol use, history of being physically abused, and insecurity. Why does John abuse his partner when Joseph doesn't? Many in the DV arena feel the difference is that Joseph has some "protective factors" in his life that John doesn't have. Protective factors can be self driven by the individual or support from ones family and/or community.

One thing is certain, domestic violence is preventable and it's everyone's problem. Individuals within the DV community agree that one of the most important goals is to raise national conscience about DV/IPV. We must keep DV/IPV awareness out in the open and not behind closed doors.

All over the country, each October, family advocacy groups, government agencies, DV shelters, health care providers, and faith-based groups plan and participate in activities to raise our nation's awareness to this growing problem. Prevention of DV comes in many ways through education, skill building, coping and stress management skills. Family, friends and neighbors sharing a sense of responsibility is important as well.

If you suspect someone you know of being either a perpetrator or victim of DV/IPV talk with them and support their seeking education and assistance. Classes, special programs and activities are held at Laughlin AFB and in the surrounding Del Rio community each year. Here at Laughlin AFB the Family Advocacy team has a number of self help classes - not only for those with DV problems, but for those who want to improve their relationship with family and friends.

Classes are available for stress management, child discipline, prenatal and parenting, and effective communication. For more information on classes and other activities offered call 298-6422.