Unmasking Domestic Abuse: A National Epidemic

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Our society has made great leaps to overcome adversities that it has faced throughout history, but one major issue that still plagues the human race is domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can be dated back as far as the history records can record. While this may come as shock to some, this horrible epidemic seen in relationships is an all too real factor in many homes within the United States. Domestic abuse tears thousands of families apart every year. In the late 1920’s all states within the U.S. outlawed “wifebeating,” yet the domestic abuse cases continue to rise. People encounter a variety of relationships and all of these relationships shape their lives in different ways. One of the most well-known form of domestic abuse is spousal abuse which is one of the most harmful degrees of abuse cases. When looking at the issue of domestic abuse, this does not mean that the abuse is strictly physical. Abuse can range from physical, verbal, and social. In today 's society,when the taboo phrase spousal abuse comes up within conversation or on a headline, the image people have already perceived is strictly between a man and a woman. In reality domestic abuse shows no preference to sexual orientation or gender. Both parties in a relationship have the ability to abuse one another. Spousal abuse takes a person 's ability to feel safe within their own home. The one place where they are supposed to feel safe and can take shelter when needed is stripped away from them in abusive situations. Spousal abuse can occur from non-serious relationships such as having a boyfriend or a girlfriend to being in a marriage with someone. The main root of this comes from the abuser’s need to have control over the other and as a result branches off into differe... ... middle of paper ... ...raising awareness and not keeping this “taboo topic” in the dark. The more publicity spousal abuse receives, the easier it will be for people to talk about this serious issue. Publicity is not the sole way to end this problem. Each and every person has to realize that they are on this Earth together and if they do not band together when it comes to an issue such as this it will never be conquered. With the growing number of battered families shelters and awareness about abuse added to the educational system, the eradication of this problem can happen. It is important to keep in mind that this problem will not simply go away just through getting the word out. It also takes people to stand up against this horrid abuse and say it is wrong. Everyone deserves the right to be happy, and if domestic abuse is out of the picture, that mission goal can be easier to achieve.

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