Domestic violence still persists despite changing laws

Domestic violence in Wisconsin, as well as in any other state, is an issue its citizens are facing today as they were in 1979 when the U.S. Surgeon General said most murders are at the hands of family or friends and many occur within the home. While great strides have been made in terms of laws meant to stop domestic violence, it still happens.

Domestic violence was present long before America was born. The Puritans outlawed it, and the Pilgrims prosecuted it. However, in the 1800s, a North Carolina Supreme Court judge overturned an abused woman’s divorce saying it was a man’s right to use corporal punishment against his wife to assure that she knew her place. By the end of that century, it became apparent that abuse against a woman was wrong. However, it continued for several reasons. One reason was that women were embarrassed and afraid to say they were beaten. Another was a deeply ingrained sense that women should not be financially independent.

Almost 100 years later, the Violence Against Women Act became law in 1994. This legislation set up a national hotline for domestic violence, established longer prison sentences for federally convicted rapists and provided federal funds to train law enforcement in domestic and sexual violence. The Justice Department continues to increase the number of prosecutions, and President Obama has worked to address the financial situation of abused women. In this regard, the administration provides initiatives to abused women to help them keep their homes.

Although women who experience domestic violence have support from various programs in the community, they may still fear domestic assault. A woman in this situation may benefit from having an attorney obtain a restraining order to help ensure her safety.

Source: Real Clear Politics, “America’s Long, Slow About-Face on Domestic Violence“, Carl M. Cannon, July 23, 2014