Domestic violence victims and survivors

The cruelest of crimes are committed in our homes and within our
own families where shame, silent scars and sinful guilt are left to
reside among the unknowing — and the untelling.
Domestic violence likely will never be wiped out or stopped. But
much of this taboo subject has been brought to light by courageous
victims, volunteer social programs and public school curriculum.
Always more awareness, open conversation and exposure is what is
needed.
Child and spousal abuse, rape and mistreatment of elders can
only happen in secret or hidden places. Repeat offenses in the same
household are allowed to destroy lives when victims don’t know how
to find a voice or where to seek  safety. 
The causes of domestic violence are often deep-seated in family
culture or behavior patterns taught or tolerated from one
generation to the next. Often a violent outburst against a spouse
or child is sparked by alcohol or drug abuse. Too frequently,
violence and maltreatment is associated with poverty, lack of
self-esteem and poor education. But affluence and higher social
standing are no shields from domestic violence. We all live close
to this shocking tragedy.
In Sonoma County there is a basic network of educators,
volunteers, social workers, counselors and law enforcement already
at work. The prevention, protection and prosecution of domestic
violence is the daily job of hundreds of people. But the greatest
advances against this cycle of violence comes from within the
families and from the victims themselves. Also, volunteers who lend
support, safe shelter, food, toys, comfort and foster care are
“difference makers,” as well.
Last year there were over 4,000 calls made to the sheriff and
police involving domestic violence cases. The cases involved women,
children and men. Spouses, infants, elders, co-habitants, single
people, same sex partners and family pets are all included in this
social disease cycle.
Beginning with this week’s issue, our news reporters will be
presenting a series of articles on the problem, programs, resources
and the ongoing community challenge of domestic violence. Our
journalistic efforts will seek to put light on this taboo and
hidden topic. We will list resources and advice from experts on how
to find help for victims, families and friends. Our reports will
include information on how others can volunteer, donate or get
involved.
The best of community journalism puts a “face” on these
close-to-home problems and crises. Unfortunately, in the case of
domestic violence, our reporting must protect the identity of
innocent victims of rape, child, spouse or elder abuse. We must ask
you, the reader, to provide your own image or personal reference to
this delicate subject.
Future articles will look at the many programs at the Sonoma
County YWCA, the 2-1-1 Hotline and the multi-agency Family Justice
Center. Many volunteers, including members of the various
Soroptimist clubs will be interviewed as well. We will also report
on the impacts of the ongoing economic recession on government and
social programs involved with  domestic violence.
The actual extent of the overall domestic violence problem is
difficult to measure even though educators, physicians and social
workers are required by law to report all cases. Sometimes the root
of a family violence is co-created where the victim is more fearful
of losing a home or income than suffering more attacks or abuse.
Sometimes the abuse is verbal, emotional or economic, without
physical scars or bruises. These forms of abuse can be equally as
damaging as repeated physical attacks.
The consequences of domestic violence spread throughout our
entire community, through our schools, workplaces and
neighborhoods.
The problems and resolutions of domestic violence in Sonoma
County must be shared by all of us but the best answer may begin
with a single individual.
That individual and answer is where a silent victim becomes an
empowered survivor.
— Rollie Atkinson