Teachers should be alert to signs that students have witnessed violence at home. Children who grow up in violent homes are more likely to become violent themselves. Pastors and clergy need to become more involved as well. Sending a woman back to a battering husband often places her life at risk. Of course, we can't tell a woman who lives in a violent relationship what to do, but we can make a greater effort to let her know that other options are available for her and her children.
Early intervention is crucial.
These crimes are serious. Tough laws and effective prosecutions, combined with education and a cooperative approach among law enforcement and social service agencies, will take time to be effective. Until then, we all must take a greater role in reporting domestic abuse. It is too late for Sonya Bailey, but for millions of other women who live in abusive homes, our efforts to break the silence can make a difference.