Characteristics & Prevention's of Violence

By Katshyna Romage

Domestic, sexual harrassment, and sexual violence in the United States is a growing

epidemic that is often overlooked or ignored. Domestic violence, sexual harassment, and sexual violence can occur in any type of relationship. It is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background. Its victims can be male or female, young or old, and any sexual orientation or economic standing. In the course of history, as domestic violence has propagated in our society,sociologists and researchers have taken a greater interest in this subject. Studies have shown that domestic violence and abuse has been apparent in human behavior for centuries of generations.Over time, researchers and sociologists have made deliberate efforts in defining domestic violence in both a legal and sociological manner. Researchers, “characterize domestic violence as actions which fall in the domain of different kinds of abuse including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. violence is the willful terrorization, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or

other abusive behavior committed by an intimate partner against another. The term ‘domestic violence’ or ‘sexual abuse’ is often used in a broad aspect which is covered under an array of different characteristics. Characteristics of Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is one of the most commonly unreported crimes nationwide. “Only one-quarter of all physical assaults,one-fifth of all rapes, and one-half of all stalking committed against females by intimate partners are reported to the police” (New York times). According to New Times, the characteristics of sexual abuse. Only 10% to 15% of child sexual abusers ever use physical force or threats to gain compliance from their victims. Most child sexual abusers offend against children who they know and with whom they have established a relationship. Most sex offenders are male; however,recent research indicates that 20% of sex offenses against female

Here are some ways to help prevent yourself from issues such as domestic violence,

sexual harassment, and assualt.

1. Educate yourself on the issues, learn the facts and the prevalence.

2. Acknowledge that it does happen in your own community.

3. Contact your local legislators and political leaders and advocate for tougher laws

against perpetrators of violence.

4. Respect a person’s-even a child’s- right to say no.

5. Avoid engaging in, supporting or encouraging sexual harassment by speaking up

when you see or hear it.

6. Be courageous; don’t be afraid to speak up for those who have lost their voice or

dignity.

7. Praise women and girls for something other than the way they look.

8. Speak out against racist, sexist or homophobic jokes.

9. Advocate for more youth violence prevention programs.

10. Get others to speak out against sexual violence.

11. Invite a speaker to share with your class, work or community group.

12. Make a decision to become an active bystander by speaking up and calling for

help when necessary.

13. Encourage your local college and universities to offer prevention education to students