In 2012, the number of domestic-violence deaths in Massachusetts dropped significantly — from 32 in 2010 to 26 in 2011 to 12 in 2012, albeit with 8 perpetrators either killed in the scuffle or committing suicide. While only time will tell if the trend is sustainable, the likelihood is that some easing of the social stigma surrounding family violence has made potential victims more willing to seek help, and continued expansion of support services from police, social workers, churches, and neighborhood networks has given them more places to get help.
But advocates for Jane Doe Inc., which tracks the numbers of victims, emphasize that more vigilance is necessary to address a problem that remains epidemic in American society. Data from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate that, every minute, 24 American adults are victims of physical assault, rape, or stalking.
Comments
This comment has been removed.
I was almost hopeful that the Boston Globe would get it this year in its December 31st editorial, "An encouraging trend", that is is not just women that are victims of Domestic Violence, but there it was "as more American Women feel comfortable seeking help", I was let down.
Once again, the Globe lets on that DV is only a male against female problem, yet the CDC states that about 38% of DV victims are male and this number might be understated. The Globe did not mention that the vast majority of homicides, in Massachusetts, are male victims, that most instances of child abuse are by mothers only. The Globe failed to talk about the number of kids now raised without dads, which is at epidemic proportions and that now 41% of families are held by single moms and that 75% in inner city Boston.
It is time for us to take a comprehensive look at Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Suicide, Violence in General, and, the rate of Fatherlessness. Till we take a larger view, not just focus on women only, we as a society will pay in many ways.