The costs associated with domestic violence continue to rise. The lives of women, children, and families are shattered as the physical, mental, sexual, emotional and economic blows undermine and destroy capacity and potential. Our communities, schools, workplaces, and society are impacted by the realities of medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters and foster care, sick leave, absenteeism, and non-productivity. These costs will continue to grow as our children continue to experience and learn behaviors associated with domestic violence from the adults in their lives. Through observing and experiencing the violence of their fathers and other significant adult males, boys learn and develop a repertoire of behaviors that can be used to control and harm others.
Girls learn how to respond and shape their lives in an attempt to avoid violence.
As this learning process continues, the safety and well being of our homes, communities and society remain compromised. Domestic violence demands our urgent prevention and intervention efforts. However, our response, while improved, remains mitigated by a host of factors which all are tied and solidly rooted to our reluctance to rid ourselves of the legacy of male privilege and dominance over women. We all pay the price of this legacy regardless of our gender. Collectively, we must commit ourselves daily to bring about the ongoing initiatives necessary to end the aftermath of harm and destruction brought about this legacy.