Undeniably, domestic violence is one of the most persistent social issues of all time. While most people perceive domestic abuse as physical violence, it constitutes all physical, psychological, and sexual abuse meted out by one partner to another or any other person within the household (Myhill). Despite massive efforts to curb the vice, domestic violence is alive and well across all communities and societies. Even in developed countries like the United States, domestic abuse is worryingly rampant.

 The establishment of national organizations to help mitigate domestic violence is one of the monumental strategies undertaken to address the issue. These organizations use various mechanisms in preventing and eradicating domestic violence. Notably, one of the most practical approaches involves creating awareness concerning the existence and impacts of domestic violence on our society.

In my opinion, the National Dating Abuse Hotline (NDAH) is the most accessible resource for my peers and me. Firstly, NDAH provides a platform for young people to call and seek advice concerning abuse in relationships (Benner). Since the hotline has a texting service, it is much more accessible because we have unlimited access to cellphones. Additionally, NDAH has an online service for real-time online interactions.

As stated, there are growing concerns regarding the increasing cases of intimate violence in the United States. According to Sweeney, plenty of the research on domestic violence centers on mitigation strategies rather than addressing the persistence of the issue. I think our communities contribute to the prevalence of domestic abuse by failing to protect the victims of IPV. Firstly, the majority of people in contemporary society lack empathy for domestic abuse victims. For instance, in situations involving rape and physical violence, victims are often blamed for exposing themselves to danger or making themselves vulnerable. In this context, perpetrators of domestic abuse are “innocent until provoked (Pun et al.).”

 Secondly, most communities have neglected their role in addressing domestic abuse. Due to the presence of national programs addressing social issues, most community members feel that only law enforcement and such organizations should be involved in protecting the victims of domestic abuse. Typically, most people do little in helping their neighbors, friends, and colleagues undergoing domestic abuse. Even in extreme situations, most people will not intervene due to fear of retaliation or getting embroiled in family disputes. Such precedence provides fertile grounds for pervasive domestic abuse.

Lastly, I think communities should redefine their perceptions concerning domestic abuse. Presently, most people view domestic violence, IPV, and sexual abuse as shameful and embarrassing. This perception has led many victims to suffer in silence as reporting or speaking about their situations would embarrass their families. In my opinion, if communities would be more willing to speak and act against domestic abuse, it would be non-existent.

Works Cited

Benner, Jennifer. “Teen Dating Violence Prevention Resources – 2021 Update”. National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2021, https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/teen-dating-violence-prevention-resources-2021-update. Accessed 18 Apr 2021.

Myhill, Andy. “Measuring domestic violence: Context is everything.” Journal of Gender-Based Violence 1.1. 2017. 33-44.

Pun, Kunta Devi et al. “‘Violence Exists to Show Manhood’: Nepali Men’s Views on Domestic Violence–a Qualitative Study.” Global Health Action 13.1 2020.

Sweeney, Kelly. Factors Contributing to the Social Acceptance of Domestic Violence: A Systematic Review. 2016. Retrieved from https://sophia.stkate.edu/msw_papers/692