Is abuse on the increase or decrease?

Since domestic violence is gaining the attention of the public, it appears that it is on an increase. However, domestic violence has been occurring for a long time. We are seeing an increase in reporting cases, even though there are many that go unknown. What we are seeing is a snowball effect. With each new generation, there is an increase in the number of abusers and breeding grounds for more violence. The severity of the injury is increasing.

What about battered men?

Only about 5% of reported domestic violence situations are men being battered by women. When a woman batters a man, a role reversal has taken place, and while its occurrence is low, the pain is just as great. The power and control dynamics are the same. Men tend to have more resources available to them (employment, mobility, etc.) and are not as concerned about taking any children involved with them when leaving.

What legal recourse does a battered woman have?

In September of 1989, the state of Missouri enacted a probable cause arrest law which takes away the responsibility of the woman to file charges against her batterer in order to have something done about the violence. When officers respond to a domestic violence call and have reason to believe that a crime has been committed, such as assault, aggravated assault, or attempt to inflict bodily injury upon the other party, they have the right to arrest the primary physical aggressor. In addition, they can be held liable if they do not make an arrest and something happens to the battered person. Kansas has since enacted the same law. In addition, battered persons can file, at no charge, for an order of protection when the abuse has previously taken place or if there is a threat of abuse at the county courthouse in which the abuse took place, where the petitioner lives, or where the respondent lives.

Are there instances where mental abuse is more evident than physical abuse?

Yes, mental and emotional abuse occurs in virtually every situation. In actuality, broken bones heal and bruises go away but the emotional abuse has a more serious and longer lasting impact on the women. Often, women feel that they do not qualify for our services if they're not being physically abused, which is a misconception. Any woman who is being emotionally, verbally, psychologically, sexually or physically abused deserves our services.

Why do battered women stay or return
to these relationships?

There are many reasons why battered women stay or return. While there are some general reasons such as: economics, fear, shame, guilt, values and dependency, everyone's situation is unique. Many battered women have a sense of reality that battering is ok. It is difficult to change their perceptions, however it can be changed. Newhouse strive to provide our clients with sufficient knowledge, understanding, and tools that they will realize they, too, can live a life free from violence.