Although the case has already received a lot of media attention, it is by no means an isolated event in the University community. Many University students and faculty are not strangers to domestic violence in their families. The University and Ann Arbor communities have created some vital resources for survivors.
Abuse, which can be physical, sexual, emotional or a combination of the three, is a tactic to create and maintain power over a partner. Ignorance has led to several stereotypes and misconceptions about the abuse - for example, some believe domestic violence is more likely to occur in lower-class families, while in actuality, it occurs at all class levels. However, abuse occurs frequently in all levels of society; it can affect people of any sex, race, socioeconomic class and sexual orientation.
Although some people may believe that domestic violence does not happen often, statistics prove otherwise. In 1990, the FBI reported that half of all female homicide victims were killed by their ex-partners. Despite startling statistics, domestic violence does not receive the attention it deserves in order to help stop the problem.
But many in the University and Ann Arbor communities are working to dispel these and other myths - as well as encourage the community to become involved. For example, the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Programs Office and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center sponsored a discussion on violence in same-sex relationships Monday. Violence in same-sex relationships is a very real issue, but often overlooked - society not only chooses to ignore domestic violence, but is unsupportive of the gay and lesbian partnerships. Many same-sex partners do not report partner assaults against them because they fear - legitimately - they will not be taken as seriously as survivors in opposite-sex couples.
The University and Ann Arbor provide survivors with many resources. SAPAC, a University program, and Safehouse, a battered women's shelter in Ann Arbor, both offer counseling, drop-in support and/or discussion groups and 24-hour crisis hotlines. Safehouse has an excellent facility dedicated to sheltering women who seek protection. It also has programs for children who escaped abusive households with their mothers. The Assault Crisis Center of Washtenaw County is another place to turn for help. University Counseling services and LGBPO both offer another outlet for counseling.
Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti have taken tough stances on domestic violence - police officers are required by law to arrest, without a warrant, a suspect if the officer has "probable cause" that an assault has taken place. Officers are then supposed to give the survivor information on shelters and community programs.
Despite all of the programs, prevention and enforcement, the group that really needs to get tough on domestic violence is society as a whole. A majority of society still accepts abuse as a way of life - even for themselves or someone they know.