By Lana Hollerud

Crime Victims Resource Center

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Women worldwide ages 15 to 44 are more likely to die or be maimed as a result of domestic violence than as a consequence of war, cancer, malaria and traffic accidents combined. American women are twice as likely to suffer domestic violence as breast cancer. Historically, though, domestic violence has traditionally been labelled a “women’s issue” even though most of the perpetrators are men. This labelling minimizes the seriousness and ultimately the importance of the issue and therefore the attention that it receives.

Women are often blamed for their victimization while the abuser’s behavior is excused. All too often people blame the victim by asking why she stayed in the abusive relationship, or what button she pushed to cause his violence rather than asking why he chose to commit this crime. We excuse his behavior by saying it was caused by alcohol use, mental illness or anger issues.

As community members we all have a role to play in reducing domestic violence. When we choose not to speak out against domestic violence and the people who commit this crime we are supporting it. It is essential that community members hold the abusers accountable for their violence and that there are swift and meaningful consequences for someone who chooses to abuse.

For more information on domestic violence and what you can do, please go to the Crime Victims Resource Center Facebook page or check out the Domestic Violence Awareness displays at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin during the month of October.