Spouse abuse, or domestic violence, cuts across all types of families, regardless of income, education, race, or religion. She often has no money and believes she has no way to support herself. She may fear for her life because of threats. She may hope her partner will change, and she may blame herself. At the Shelter, we know that while most people in close relationships disagree at times, the decision to hit or hurt someone is a choice.
Violence is the responsibility of the person who uses it.
But it's important to ask what's really being done for these children. It's a frightening fact that children who see violence in their homes often grow up to be the next generation of abusers and victims. A daughter who sees her mother as a victim can believe she also should allow herself to be abused. Children in violent homes are physically abused or neglected at a rate 1,500 times greater than other children. They also have higher risks of abusing drugs and alcohol and becoming juvenile delinquents.