Why Does She Stay?

Why does she stay? Why does he hit? In many cases low self esteem is a factor, and HE knows it.  It's also about power, control and male egos - a deadly combination when the man has emotional and anger issues.  The woman becomes his punching bag, and it makes him feel that he is in charge.  The woman becomes more afraid and shrinks under the man's rage, and it goes on and on like a nightmare she can’t wake up from.

 

Women need to be educated that there are resources available to help them and even provide shelter if they are victims of domestic violence.  The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7, toll free number 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), and their website http://www.ndvh.org/ has an abundance of information.   

 

Law reform also has to happen and legislation needs to make domestic violence a very serious crime with a long prison sentence.  Awareness of domestic violence in every community is important, but until the laws change and abusers are punished harshly for their actions, many women and children will continue to become victims.  Restraining orders against the abusers also must be enforced and if violated, punishment needs to happen quickly and severely.  There are too many women who file restraining orders against an abusive partner but wind up hurt or even dead because she wasn’t taken seriously.   

 

Women should not have to be afraid of their spouse, boyfriend, father, or any other male figure in her domestic circle.  Once fear enters the picture, it is time to leave and don’t look back.  Of course, this is easier said than done especially when the victim does not have a safe place to go to.  The government has thousands of dollars of grant money available specifically dedicated to the prevention of violence against women.   Unfortunately, winning grant money is not an easy process and may take years to finally be awarded the funds to help set up non-profit safe houses for victims of domestic violence.  If you are a victim or know of a victim of domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Hotline listed above or go to  Stingergirlz’ resources page to find the hotline number in your state.

 

It is also important that women start finding effective ways to defend themselves either by taking self defense classes or using a non-lethal personal protection device.   Tasers, mace, stun guns and pepper sprays are very powerful tools in temporarily bringing an abuser to his knees for up to 40 minutes.  In today’s economic downturn, domestic violence has increased substantially, and the following statistics have been reported by the American Institute of Domestic Violence:

	· Over 5.3 million women are abused each year. · Over 500,000 women are stalked by an intimate partner each year · 85%-95% of all victims of domestic violence are women · 1,232 women are killed each year by an intimate partner · Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury among women · Women are more likely to be attacked by someone they know rather than a stranger

 Women should not take these statistics lightly and must do whatever is necessary to keep themselves and their children safe.  Living in fear and intimidation is NOT an option, and with all the affordable personal protection products that are available today, women need not have to.  

 

*Check your local and state law before purchasing a TASER^®, Mace, Pepper Spray or Stun Gun.

*The purchase and use of any personal protection devices such as TASER^®, Mace, Pepper Spray or Stun Gun is the sole responsibility of the purchaser. The purchaser assumes all rights and liabilities from the use of any of these products.