Problem Statement: Battered Women. A National Concern

摘要

Wife abuse is a major social problem. A recent national survey revealed that at least 2 million women are beaten each year by their husbands. In addition, a 1979 Louis Harris survey in Kentucky showed that 10 percent of the wives interviewed reported physical abuse during the prior 12 - month period, and 21 percent reported some violence during their marriage. Domestic violence can result in severe injury to the victim and even death. It can also endanger persons outside the family, particularly the police, and can victimize children who are either physically abused or witnesses to the abuse of their mothers. Family violence occurs in families of every economic, racial, religious, and educational group. Pregnant women are often targets of abuse. Women may choose to remain in abusive relationships for varied reasons: psychological, moral, and economic. They are often ill - prepared to support themselves; in addition, they often hope that their husbands may change. The first step in addressing the problem of wife abuse consists of recognizing that the problem exists and condemning it as wrong. Social supports, sanctions, and resources, such as shelters for battered women, are also necessary to ensure that violence by one person against another is not acceptable, either at home or in the street. Four references are provided.