ncies, etc…) is also limited to women residing in rural regions. Due to the low number of telephone subscriptions it makes it even more difficult for rural women to stay in contact with others. The lack of support and contact with others fuels the resistance women have with leaving their batterers. Rural Domestic Violence versus Urban Domestic ViolenceViolence is violence no matter where it happens. In my opinion, domestic violence does not differ in rural or urban regions however the use of violence may vary. For example, the threatened use or discharge of a firearm to intimidate women is more common in rural areas than urban areas (Websdale, 1998). This is not to say that in urban regions men do not use guns to intimidate women but it is more difficult for men to discharge firearms without creating suspicion within the community. In rural regions the discharge of firearms is often attributed to legitimate uses such as hunting (Websdale, 1998). For this reason, men in rural areas can use firearms to intimidate women without creating unreasonable suspicion. The rate of gun ownership is slightly higher in rural areas however; rural regions have lower rates of violence despite being well armed. This contradicts the gun ownership leading to higher rates of violence theory often supported by various anti-gun lobbies. Women in both regions experience emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Emotional abuse refers to attacks on self-esteem, instilling fear and terror, false accusations of infidelity and consistent intimidation. Physical battering includes acts of violence such as punching, kicking, biting, throwing objects, choking, and assaultive behaviors. Sexual abuse refers to forced sexual intercourse using violence or intimidation. Some women argue that emotional abuse is worse than that of physical or sexual abuse insofar as physical scars heal and psychological scars are deep rooted (Websdale, 1998). I beg to differ w...
