Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible bruises and scars. It is devastating to be abused by someone you love and who you think loves you in return. Approximately 3 million incidents of domestic violence are reported each year in the United States.

This October will mark the 24th year of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). The month is designed to connect women’s advocates across the country who are working to end domestic abuse, as well as to educate women about domestic violence and forming healthy relationships.

It is more difficult for younger women to find the resources that they need and they often feel too uncomfortable to seek guidance. “One out of five college females will experience some form of dating violence,” the NCADV says.
Domestic violence often gets worse because women may believe they are entirely responsible for solving problems in their relationships, the NCADV says.

Women can choose better relationships when they learn to identify the early warning signs of domestic abuse. They often get caught up in a relationship, especially at a younger age, believing their partner is just being "romantic" when in actuality he's displaying signs of jealousy and possessiveness, the NCADV says.

A survey done by the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence surveyed 500 young women, ages 17 to 24, and found that 60 percent were currently involved in an ongoing abusive relationship and all participants had at one time experienced some type of violence in a dating relationship.

It is crucial for young women to understand the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and to share this information with their friends, the NCADV says.

Early warning signs of domestic violence include extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, unpredictable mood swings, explosive anger, isolating you from friends or family, blaming others for problems, abusing verbally, and threatening violence.

It's often very difficult to accept the need for help when in a violent relationship. However, there are numerous resources for women in the Milwaukee-area, and many specifically oriented towards teenagers and college-aged women. The Milwaukee Women’s Center provides counseling services, group sessions and a 24-hour hotline at 671-6140.

The Women's Resource Center also offers ongoing student support through counseling services, workshops and a library full of material on domestic violence and other issues.

“The Women's Resource Center not only provides students with support at the university's campus, but also is familiar with other community-based resources throughout Wisconsin and the United States,” said Cathy Seasholes of the Women's Resource Center.

Victims of domestic violence must identify the warning signs and understand that they have choices and deserve to be treated with respect. Women’s resource centers in the Milwaukee area can help a woman get to this point, and then support her as she learns to make healthy choices in her relationships and in her life.

On the Net: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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