WEALTHY ALSO HIT HARD BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

"People want to think that it happens to somebody else, that it only happens in the apartment buildings, it only happens in the inner city, it really cuts across all socioeconomic levels."

Karen Kuchar, Family Shelter Services

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN AFFLUENCE

BACKGROUND: Between 600,000 and six million women are victims of domestic violence each year and between 100,000 and six million men. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of size, gender or strength, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused or denied. This is especially true when abuse is psychological, rather than physical. Emotional abuse is often minimized, yet it can leave deep and lasting scars. Domestic abuse is also known as spousal abuse, occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. Domestic abuse that includes violence is called domestic violence. Abusers use fear, guilt, shame and intimidation to control a victim.

PROTECTION LAW: On August 17, 2011, the Gonzales decision was issued to offer advocates the opportunity to contrast existing U.S law and policy in the civil rights arena with international human rights principles. By framing domestic violence as a human rights violation, the case challenges advocates and policymakers to re-think the current approach to domestic violence in the U.S, and asks whether fundamental rights are being respected, protected, and fulfilled. The decision holds the potential to influence domestic violence advocacy in the United States, and more broadly, to help bring human rights home to the U.S. This was decided after a 12 year long process when the three daughters of Jessica Lenahan Gonzales were abducted by her estranged husband and killed after the Castle Rock, Colorado police repeatedly refused to enforce her domestic violence restraining order against him. (www.law.miami.edu)

SIGNS: There are many signs of an abusive relationship. The most telling sign is fear of your partner. If you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around your partner, constantly watching what you say and do in order to avoid a blow up, chances are the relationship is unhealthy and abusive. Other signs may include a partner who belittles you or tries to control you, and feelings of self-loathing, helplessness, and desperation.