Domestic violence affects everyone

As noted before it's Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In case you missed the round-up, check out these posts first:

• What is intimate partner violence?
• Some basic facts about domestic violence during pregnancy.
• Is your relationship abusive?
• Common misconceptions about domestic violence and abuse.

It's very important to recognize domestic violence this month and all year round. In case you think domestic violence doesn't affect you, you couldn't be more wrong. Domestic violence manages to affect almost everyone - either personally or via someone you know. For example, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project notes the following stats on domestic violence.

• Domestic and sexual violence crimes are pervasive, life-threatening and affect millions in our nation, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion or education.
• Nearly 1 in 4 women will be beaten or raped by a partner during adulthood
• Every day in the United States, an average of 3 women will be killed by a current or former intimate partner.

Children are extremely vulnerable to the affects of domestic violence.

• Around 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence every year.
• Children exposed to violence are more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs and alcohol, run away from home, engage in teenage prostitution and commit sexual assault crimes.
• Males who are exposed to physical abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence as children are almost 4 times more likely than other men to commit domestic violence crimes as an adult.

Because domestic violence spans generations, it's important to recognize the signs and stop this form of violence cold, before the next generation spirals into the same cycles. If you are in an abusive relationship, first of all know that it's NOT your job to change your abuser. Your first priority is to keep yourself and your children safe. The most important thing you can do is attempt to stop the violence in your own home. It's hard, yes and takes guts to try to make changes, but if you're being abused by your partner, your children will be affected - that's a 100% promise, no maybe about it. If you are in danger, call 911, or (in the U.S.) the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. If your child is old enough he should also be taught to call 911 when violence occurs. If you're trying to get out of an abusive relationship go over some safety plans for yourself and your children.