It’s time to take a stand against domestic violence

And the beat goes on.

Beatings sometimes take on a more literal meaning when the term applies to domestic violence. No week goes by without some report of domestic violence in Ottawa and Franklin County. Sometimes it is woman against man, child against adult, adult against senior citizen or most often, men against women.

Domestic violence is far too common in our society and is especially evident in our area. Franklin County ranks in the top four counties in the state in reports of domestic violence.

While many of us would like to believe the victims and perpetrators of domestic violence are strangers that just isn’t the case. We all know victims of domestic violence. Friends, neighbors, relatives and co-workers are victimized. Sadly, just one in 10 victims reports victimization and receive needed services.

Today’s economic downturn is intensifying domestic violence, though it isn’t the cause of it. In abusive relationships factors associated with the bad economy can increase the frequency and severity of abuse, Melissa Haenchen, Franklin County Coordinator for Women’s Transitional Care Services, said.

Positive coping skills seem to be in short supply in many households and that, coupled with control issues, fosters abusive relationships. Research shows 91 percent of victims in Kansas who reported their situation and sought services improved  the quality of their lives.

People can’t report what they don’t recognize, though. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors including verbal, emotional, economic, sexual and physical factors. A review of a “Power and Control Wheel”  ­— designed to illustrate how some manipulate and control others — quickly points out actions that allow others to become aware of a victim’s abuse.

Learn more by visiting the Web site: www.helpchangekansas.com. Or contact the local office at (785) 242-6300 or 24-hour help line at (800) 770-3030.

Help be a part of the solution and help a victim stop the beatings and seek and find help.

Domestic violence isn’t acceptable. Not here. Not now. Not ever.