Quote:
Originally Posted by Stormieweather
I'm not sure the laws themselves need to be changed much, but the application of them and the bias/misconception of law enforcement and the general public. When the police show up to a call, they need to understand that just because there are no black eyes or bruises, that isn't necessarily a sign of lack of abuse. Judges need to recognize that there is more to abuse than punching. Generally, people need to be able to speak up about it and be believed. The main reason victims on my site say they didn't say or do anything earlier is fear that no one would believe them or that they would be accused of exaggerating. They even doubt themselves, so why would anyone else take their issues seriously?
So education.
Educate everyone from children all the way up to judges about abuse and what it is. Bullying is a form of abuse and we are not doing nearly enough about it. Spousal abuse goes both ways. Let women and men know that they don't have to tolerate mistreatment, that everyone deserves to be treated with respect. That there is life beyond an abusive partner; actual people who do not abuse. Put in place help for former victims to gain confidence and esteem, and learn healthy ways to interact. Prevent the cycle from reoccurring.
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Educate the young, yes. As for educating adults, I don't think most adults need to be educated as to what it is, how it works. I think every adult has seen it in their family, Uncle Joe treats sweet Aunt Edna like shit, or vice versa. Or maybe their social circle, Ruth is a real bitch to Pat, ain't she, or vice versa.
I guess the education should be that we won't chalk it up to human nature and mind our own business. We may not personally intercede, but we see you, we know what you're doing, we know you're being an asshole. That social peer pressure could help in some cases I think. But I'm no pro either, so it's just an opinion.
Of course there are the isolated people, especially when the isolation is part of the pattern.
The cops aren't going to be much help, I'm afraid. First of all because they will never have enough training to sort out the he said/she said situations. And frankly, he/she was mean to me, and said bad things, will never be in their job description.
You ain't hurt, not being physically restrained, walk out that door. Simple as that. If you want, we'll wait 10 minutes while you grab your shit and make sure you get out safely, but we've got crimes to fight, and donuts to kill.
Secondly, you want the cops to be more sensitive to emotions, at a time when they're being equipped and trained as a paramilitary force that drops
flashbangs in children's bedrooms. Sheriff Andy isn't going to stop by with friendly advice, ever again in most places.
OK, like you said from the gitgo, more awareness.
But please folks, no torches and pitch forks... unless the perps are a different color, or creed, or gingers.
