 |
 |
 |
 |
If you're concerned about
someone finding out that
you've visited this website,
click here.
Conway Office
PO Box 1972
Conway, NH 03818
(603) 356-7993
Ossipee Office
(603) 539-5506
 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is physical and/or emotional abuse within a family or intimate relationship. It occurs in all classes, races, cultures, religions, and sexual preferences. No one deserves to be abused. Yet each year, thousands of families in New Hampshire and across the country endure the terrifying effects of domestic violence. Battering is reinforced by cultural messages that condone violence as well as by fear and shame that keep victims from reporting abuse. As a society, we condone domestic violence every time we look the other way or blame the victim, by stating "she asked for it." In the home, batterers create a climate of fear through threats, intimidation and violence. They excuse their behavior by making their victims feel as if the abuse is their fault. As a result of their fear and false sense of shared responsibility, victims of violence often are reluctant to seek help. Sadly, the consequence of accepting and ignoring violence in our lives is more violence. All victims want to believe their batterers when they promise that the abuse won't happen again. Unfortunately, without intervention, the abuse does continue, typically increasing in frequency and severity. The result of this violence can be devastating to both victims and their children. Victims of violence feel helpless and isolated, making choices based on fear. Children who grow up in violent homes learn that violence is an appropriate way to express feeling of anger and frustration and often repeat the patterns of their childhood.
|