using exist. The responsibility of childcare further complicates the problem. The most serious reason for concern is the fear of retribution by the abuser. Batterers frequently threaten to kill the woman or other family members if they tell anyone that they are being beaten. Despite the abuse, a woman may still love her partner and, consequently, will lie to protect him. Many victims possess low self-esteem caused by repeated abuse, both physical and emotional, and believe that they don’t deserve help. Finally, the pure fact of being embarrassed or ashamed may be sufficient reason for the victim to stay. Aside from medical and psychiatric treatment for injuries, potential victims of abuse can be given information and counseling from the health care provider in order to prevent further victimization episodes. Patients can be informed about the risk factors involved that would increase the chances of serious harm to them. Psychological counseling, administered by either the primary care provider or a mental health professional, can assist the patient in ending personal relationships with abusive individuals. Additionally, the patient can be provided with telephone numbers and encouraged to contact existing community resources such as crisis centers, shelters, protective service agencies, or the police department if there is fear of injury. It’s amazing to me that of all crimes in today’s society; domestic violence is the one that is still on the rise. It is time to take domestic violence seriously and combat it aggressively. In order for a positive change to occur, our legal system needs to protect the Fields 4battered and not the batterer. A majority of battered women are murdered if they try to leave an abusive situation. Why is that? Because they don’t have the protection they need. The criminal justice system needs to start a victim relocation program for domestic abuse victims. This would ensure their safety a...
