Funds raised by PEARR go to Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc., the only state certified, nationally accredited, full-service domestic violence center in the county. Women In Distress provides victims of domestic abuse with a 24-hour hotline, shelter, counseling, and educational programs.

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Wednesday, December 26, 2007

It's a new year and with the many resolutions that accompany every January, we invite you to add one more to your list. If we can't eradicate domestic violence, at least we can pledge to lessen it. About two weeks ago, the Sun Sentinal published an article about the rising number of female homicides in South Florida,specifically categorized as domestic violence murders. The most upsetting part about the number of victims, as if one murdered woman isn't enough for us to shake our heads in grief and despair, is that those numbers are created from the specific legal definition of "domestic violence." That is, each one of those women either had a child in common with her killer or lived with her killer for six months or more. The women listed in that article, whom we mourn as we vow to never to let happen to another woman, do not include those who lost their lives to estranged husbands or boyfriends, not within the parameters set out above.

Those of you who read this blog or who volunteer for Women in Distress, give time, money, and other resources in the name of domestic violence. Essentially, we are preaching to the choir, speaking to a group of people who know the importance of raising awareness and ending domestic violence. But for all of our work, why are the numbers still so high? Why are women still dying at the hands of those who supposedly "love" them?" What are we doing wrong - or maybe, not doing enough of?Is there no deterrent to the abusers?

Consider that a hit, punch, even a stab, may result in a relative inconvenience to an abuser who may have to attend a few court dates and maybe a few anger management classes. That certainly doesn't teach them any sort of lesson. The abuse just escalates with little accountability until it is front page news and finally, finally the abuser is held in Broward County Jail without a bond..meaning his wife or mother of his child is lying silently in a pine box.

We know the statistics and we know all of the reasons why women who experience domestic violence go back to their abusers. Obviously, it is the abuser's fault each and every time, no matter how much forgiveness is bestowed upon him. It is he who chooses to throw a punch, wield a knife, shoot a gun. So how do we stop him - even in the midst of the cycle of violence. According to the news, our efforts aren't working - or maybe they are, and the numbers would be higher if not for Women in Distress and other similar organizations. Either way, the numbers are still too high. This is the kind of job security that shelters, victim advocates, and law enforcement do not need.

So as part of your New Year's Resolution, what can we all do to lower that awful number in 2008, because so far, it does not seem so good.

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