CDC: Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Intimate Partner Violence Widespread in the US

[Emily]

http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2...ce.html?s_cid=2011_p1214_sexual_violence.html

Press Release

For Immediate Release: December 14, 2011
Contact: CDC Division of News & Electronic Media

Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Intimate Partner Violence Widespread in the US

New survey finds these types of violence affect the health of millions of adults

On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States, according to findings released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over the course of a year, that equals more than 12 million women and men. Those numbers only tell part of the story ? more than 1 million women reported being raped in a year and over 6 million women and men were victims of stalking in a year, the report says.
?This landmark report paints a clear picture of the devastating impact these violent acts have on the lives of millions of Americans,? said Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. ?The information collected in this ongoing survey will serve as a vital tool in the Administration′s efforts to combat domestic violence and sexual abuse. And the report underscores the importance of our Administration′s work to combat domestic violence and sexual assault.?...

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: CDC: Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Intimate Partner Violence Widespread in the US

Warning Signs and Excuses

Teens in violent dating relationships may be hesitant or embarrassed to talk to adults?even those they trust and love?about the issue.

Adults should be aware of possible warning signs that something may be wrong in a relationship. Adults also should recognize that a perpetrator may not seem violent in public settings and may act appropriately when they are around adults.

Teens may use a variety of excuses to justify the harm that is being done to them or their own harmful behavior. So it is also important for adults to be aware of excuses for dating violence, both from the victim and from the perpetrator.

If you see warning signs or your instinct tells you something is wrong, you should trust yourself and consider taking appropriate action. It is important to understand the warning signs and excuses for dating violence so you can help teens develop healthy relationship attitudes and behaviors.

These ?red flags? should alert you to the possibility that a teen may be a victim or is at risk of becoming victim of dating violence:
Suspicious bruises, scratches, or other injuries
Failing grades
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable
Alcohol or drug use
Excuses their dating partner's behavior
Fearfulness around their dating partner or when his or her name is mentioned
Avoidance of friends and social events

These behaviors may indicate that a teen may be a perpetrator or is at risk of becoming a perpetrator of violence:
Threatens to hurt others in any way
Insults or ignores a dating partner in public or private
Constantly calls or texts to check up on a dating partner
Damages or destroys a dating partner's personal belongings
Attempts to control a dating partner's friends, their activities, or even the clothes they wear
Exhibits jealous and possessive behavior
Demands to know where their dating partner is all the time
Making a dating partner feel guilty or shameful with statements such as: "If you really loved me, you would..."
Blames the dating partner for his or her feelings and actions with statements such as: "You asked for it" or "You made me mad"

Excuses for Dating Violence
Teens who are violent to their dating partners may use excuses to justify hurtful, disrespectful, and unhealthy behavior. Teen dating partners who hear these excuses may start doubting whether their concerns about the relationship are valid or important enough. And some teens may have witnessed similar violence in their family life, in movies, or on TV and may not realize that it is inappropriate.

Excuses for dating violence may include:
?It is not violence.?
?I was just joking!?
?I was having a bad day.?
?Jealousy is a normal part of any relationship.?
?You got me upset or angry.?
?It just happened once. It won't happen again.?
?I deserve your trust, even if I messed up before.?
?I should be more important than your friends.?
?My needs are more important than yours.?
?I didn't mean to hurt you.?
?You deserved it.?
http://www.cdc.gov/chooserespect/understanding_dating_violence/warning_signs_and_excuses.html

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: CDC: Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Intimate Partner Violence Widespread in the US

Opening Dec. 21: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (movie)
R: for brutal violent content including rape and torture, strong sexuality, graphic nudity, and language
http://www.kctv5.com/story/14861947/the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: CDC: Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Intimate Partner Violence Widespread in the US

If someone hits you, get out. This behavior will repeat itself. It is a sickness and the person who hits you may be sorry but they probably can not stop this behavior without professional help.

If you want to help them, leave. This will force them to seek help.


Help for Abused and Battered Women
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS, SUPPORT, AND PROTECTION

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_help_treatment_prevention.htm

 

[Emily]

Re: CDC: Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Intimate Partner Violence Widespread in the US

Sexual abuse is also a problem outside of intimate relationships - here's an article about the very bad handling of rape of women in the US military and efforts by military women to change this:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/dec/09/rape-us-military?newsfeed=true

Lucy Broadbent
guardian.co.uk, Friday 9 December 2011 12.59 EST

Regarding leaving violent domestic situations, I've heard that if the abuser learns of the victim planning to leave, that can dramatically escalate violence. So even if a victim has the money or social support enabling escape, it can be dangerous.

I think there are various 'underground railroad' organizations that specialize in helping people to find safety. I remember watching an interview with a faith-based group years ago that specialized in helping the spouses of abusers with powerful jobs in law enforcement or the government or even private sector jobs that might make it difficult for the victim to hide. This group would help you move to a new country with a new identity.