Ganley adds that after safety needs have been addressed, health care providers should provide validation of the victim's experience. Health care providers also should be prepared to offer referrals to local battered women's services or on-site domestic violence specialists. As for the perpetrators of domestic violence, drugs and alcohol frequently are a factor. But Smith says violence and substance abuse are separate problems and need to be treated separately. Also, while many believe that domestic violence rises in the wake of drinking and partying during TV sporting events, the FVPF reports that they have no evidence to support that assertion.
Experts agree that dealing with aggressors is a complicated matter.
Ganley believes that couples' counseling and anger management programs often are not appropriate solutions. First and foremost, the perpetrator must be held accountable for his actions and that predictable, binding consequences must result from continuing abusive behavior. The good news is that when victims seek help, their health outlook improves dramatically. Will Shields wants us to know the power of healing available to victims of domestic violence. But he knows the power of silence can stop victims from ever reaching that goal.