My true life experience on domestic violence: breaking my silence

This memoir discusses how women have been abused by men physically, emotionally, or psychologically. This is a true story reflecting my life experiences and accurately depicts how women are subject to abuse by men, and how society allows these abuses to occur. I have tried to cope with these injustices through the years to no avail without any societal support. Recently, I have found new avenues to cope with domestic violence and its effects. Domestic violence affects all racial/ethnic groups. It is not exclusive to women, it, also, includes men and children. According to Finn (1986), people with non-traditional attitudes toward women are more likely to blame the man and less likely to blame the woman. This conclusion is based on a study by Kristiansen and Giuletti (1990), who asked participants to read a scenario to gender differences, although an earlier study had reported that men were more likely to endorse using physical force in marriage (Finn, 1986). We need large-scale replications to determine not only the current attitudes toward spousal abuse, but whether gender differences have disappeared. Current data on ethnic comparisons are also welcome, and should include information on Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. I have been disproportionally targeted. I have been battered and abused by my late husband Walter Richard Burnett for many years. This behavior was the norm, according to society’s acceptance, until I decided that I would not allow these devastating incidents to continue to occur (Matlin, 1995, p. 525). Listed below are the three definitions used to examine domestic violence and will be used throughout this memoir. • Physical abuse- Pain caused by repeated striking and damage to specific body parts. • Psychological abuse – Causes intense fear, guilt and damage to self-esteem, and can be more damaging than physical abuse. • Emotional abuse – Involves humiliation, name calling, degradation, intimidation and refusing to speak. Read more