With the realization that domestic abuse in Tennessee is underreported, each year the month of October is dedicated to increasing awareness of the violence that grips so many families. October was National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which strives to bring attention to the victims of domestic violence, an area of family law.
While the people who experience the abuse directly are the ones most often discussed, indirect victims -- oftentimes children -- can also become part of the decision-making process that happens when a domestic abuse case goes to court. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that between 3.3 and 10 million children see an act of abuse committed against or by one of their parents each year.
In some cases, children are the direct victims of domestic abuse. According to research, somewhere between 53 and 70 percent of male abusers also physically harm their children. Statistics show that last year in the state of Tennessee alone, 5,325 children were subjected to violence known as "simple assault" in the home. More than 1,100 children were the victims of aggravated assault while another 309 were kidnapped. Sadly, thirteen children lost their lives to domestic abuse.
Although women are most often the victims of abuse, this is not always the case. Domestic violence is an extremely harmful act both physically and emotionally. Outreach programs and shelters are located throughout the state of Tennessee. With the help of family and friends, many victims can find the strength they need to take themselves and their children out of an unhealthy situation.
Source: Crossville Chronicle, "October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month," Oct. 13, 2011
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