December 23, 2011--

The following is an editorial written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have questions about this commentary, please contact Rep. Byrum's office by calling (517) 373-0587.

The holidays can be a stressful time of year and may be why the incidents of domestic violence tend to increase. A 2010 study examining calls for law enforcement assistance in a large US city, found that the number of incidents of intimate partner violence reported was higher on New Year's Day compared to the daily average. Sadly, millions of domestic violence crimes go unreported because of fear – fear of retribution by a partner, or fear that nobody will be able to help.

One in four American women has experienced domestic violence in their lifetimes, and nearly three in four people personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. All told, between 600,000 and 6 million women are victims of domestic violence each year, according to the Domestic Violence Resource Center.

We have all heard the stories:

• • A wife who has been intimidated and threatened into explaining away her bruises;
  • A neighbor whose partner dominates their life with a jealous, violent personality;
  • A loved one who is unwilling or unable to leave their abuser because physical abuse is "not a good enough" reason to leave.

Sadly, some of these victims may never be able to escape this abuse, or even return home. On average, more than three women are murdered by their intimate partners in the United States every day, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

This is not just a problem that affects women. Approximately 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner annually in this country.

The impact of this crime reverberates throughout families and communities. Studies suggest that between 3.3 and 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence each year. Many feel shame or guilt for what they have witnessed. These children are more likely to be depressed, do poorly in school and act violently toward their peers. They also are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol or even attempt suicide.

Overcoming domestic violence is a story about people – people whose lives have been ripped apart who have had the strength to overcome it. Let us celebrate these survivors who have shown incredible strength and courage in persevering and continuing to strive against an abhorrent crime. In this New Year, let us use their strength as an example as we work toward a world without domestic violence, because even one victim is too many.

If you or someone you know needs help, please visit the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence website at: www.mcadsv.org and click on "Locate Help Near You." You may also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233.) Call toll free, 24 hours a day, anywhere in the U.S.