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Domestic and Sexual Violence against Women

  • In Progress and Perils: New Agenda for Women, 92% of women said that ending domestic and sexual violence should be a strong priority.

  • To follow up on this finding, the Center for the Advancement of Women conducted a series of multi-city focus groups with women and teens.

KEY FINDINGS

1) Almost all women reported current, past or having witnessed domestic partner abuse.

2) Women, including teens, have trouble defining intimate partner abuse in their own lives and when they do, find it difficult to act. Women often see the pattern in retrospect, but not while it is happening.

3) Women say they are well informed about physical abuse and the resources available for help.

4) Psychological abuse is more damaging than physical abuse – the effects are longer lasting and leave deeper scars.

5) Physical abuse is often the culmination of extensive psychological abuse, which may take the form of controlling behavior, economic control, degradation or humiliation.

6) Latina, African-American and Asian women cited religious and familial pressure, privacy and the historical role of men in the family among factors leading to a pronounced degree of stigma.

7) Most groups failed to spontaneously mention sexual abuse as a form of relationship violence.  When probed, some said they felt it was included under “physical abuse.”

Teenage women in these groups indicated that they:

8) Do not receive enough messages that help them recognize the signs that lead up to physical abuse.

9) Don’t feel they have close relationships with adults or peers in which they can confide and receive support.

10) Hostility among girls is a barrier to seeking peer support.

11) Many feel locked into the stereotypes of “bitches” and “hos” promoted by popular culture, and believe there is pressure to conform to these negative images.

12) Body image and pressure about appearance also limit their ability to recognize and act empowered against being abused.

Center for the Advancement of Women Recommendations:

13) Documentation on emotional abuse should be available.

14) Resources should be enhanced and re-aligned to address education, prevention and shelter from emotional abuse.

15) Public education and culturally sensitive prevention are needed to reduce stigma. 

16) Teens need support, guidance and trusting relationships with older women.

17) Domestic violence and sexual assault is a community issue.  Schools and other settings can help young people learn good relationship skills, how to manage romantic relationships, friendships with other girls, etc.