Every 1 hour and 37 minutes, a crime of domestic violence is reported to police in Maine.
Domestic violence does not discriminate. While students may consider domestic violence to be an issue concerning older adults, you may be surprised to know that women ages 16 to 24 experience the highest per capita rate of intimate partner violence. At some point in their lives, approximately one third of women report physical or sexual abuse by a husband or partner.
Domestic violence is not limited to heterosexual relationships, nor is the abuser always a male. Twenty-five to 33 percent of same-sex relationships report instances of domestic violence.
Elder abuse, often committed by a family member or caretaker, occurs when elders are controlled by someone with whom they maintain intimate and trusting relations. This can include controlling their social life, finances, restricting them from medications, and physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. There are an estimated 12,000 cases of elder abuse in Maine, many of which have not been reported.
Due to isolation of ethnic groups from communities and the distress of a new environment, domestic abuse is believed to be more common among immigrant women as compared to U.S. citizens, according to the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence.
The reality is that these statistics may actually be higher, as many crimes go unreported. Domestic violence does not only happen in "problem" families and is not specific to any particular class or ethnic group. The fact is battered women can not be easily defined. Similarly, abusers come from all socio-economic backgrounds, races, religions, and experiences. Abusers could be drinkers or non-drinkers, could come from abusive families or not, and could be a white-collar or blue-collar worker.
In addition, an abusive relationship can take on many forms. Abuse can happen to men, women, children, and elders and happens in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. Domestic violence is an issue of power and control that includes many forms: physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. We normally think of abuse as black eyes and broken bones, but other examples of abusive behaviors include isolation, threats, induced debility and exhaustion, degradation, and enforcement of trivial demands.
Efforts to end domestic violence include providing services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, education about prevention through school systems, and advancing public policy to advocate for the survivors. All of these endeavors need the support of volunteers. Volunteering with a local organization such as a domestic violence agency is a great way to learn about issues specific to our community and work to end domestic violence.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Consider ways in which you can help the efforts to end domestic violence. Family Crisis Services (FCS) is the domestic violence support agency for the Mid-coast Maine region. FCS offers a 24-hour hotline, emergency and transitional shelters, and advocate support services.
Interested in volunteering? You can cover the hotline, assist with support groups, work with children of survivors or help to raise awareness about domestic violence.