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Myths
about Family Violence
Myth: Family Violence is rare.
Truth: Although statistics on family
violence are not precise, it's clear that millions of children, women, and even
men are abused physically by family members and their intimates.
Myth: Family violence is confined to
the lower classes.
Truth: Reports from police records,
victim services, and academic studies show domestic violence exists equally in
every socioeconomic group, regardless of race or culture.
Myth: Alcohol and drug abuse are the
real causes of violence in the home.
Truth: Not all batterers use alcohol
and/or drugs. Because male batterers also abuse alcohol and other drugs,
it's easy to conclude that these substances may cause domestic violence. They
apparently do increase the lethality of the violence, but they also offer the
batterer another excuse to evade responsibility for his behavior. The abusive
man -- and men are the abusers in the overwhelming majority of domestic violence
incidents -- typically controls his actions, even when drunk or high, by
choosing a time and place for the assaults to take place in private and go
undetected. In addition, successful completion of a drug treatment program does
not guarantee an end to battering. Domestic violence and substance abuse are two
different problems that should be treated equally.
Myth: Battered wives like being hit,
otherwise they would leave...
Truth: The most common response to
battering -- "Why doesn't she just leave?" -- ignores the economic and
social realities facing women. Shelters are often full, and family, friends, and
the workplace are frequently less than fully supportive. Face with rent and
utility deposits, day care, health insurance, and other basic expenses, the
woman may feel that she cannot support herself and her children. Moreover, in
some instances, the woman may be increasing the chance of physical harm or even
death if she leaves an abusive spouse.
Adapted from:: "Preventing Violence
Against Women, Not Just a Women's Issue," National Crime Prevention
Council, 1995.
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