Hall 1

Henry Hall

TR 11:30

Professor Olivas

03 May, 2017

Domestic Violence and Shattered and Beaten

A dominant and despicable social issue plaguing many communities is the persistent

cycle of domestic and child abuse leading to long-term abusive tendencies. The link between a

history of abuse and the likelihood of another abuse related incident is easily distinguishable and

evident in cases of both victims and perpetrators. In Audrey Austins Shattered and Beaten,

there are many examples of abuse, and several indicating details as to why the abuse is

occurring. Through various depictions of experiences by the protagonist, the issues of domestic

violence and child abuse are perceived as inevitable and unstoppable. Acts like these are more

common than most realize, and goes unchecked in many cases because of this ignorance. In

order for things to change and the families affected to become safe, more has to be done from

those who are not impacted directly, allowing them to work to solve the problems by providing a

safe means of escape for those trapped by abuse.

Those who find themselves disagreeing with amount of reports claiming abuse, refer to

the policies in place to combat the growing number of domestic violence cases and victims; laws

and standards that protect victims have become increasingly generalized, forcing for one to act

sooner rather than later or it may be too late. Policies of this kind are cited in opposition pieces as

over generalized and discriminatorily in favor of women. An example of a generalized standard

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is the New Mexico statute which, defines domestic violence as causing severe emotional

distress (Schlafly). Under such conditions, David Letterman had a restraining order placed

against him by a Sante Fe, New Mexico family court judge, in order to protect a woman

Letterman had never met or seen. As said by Schlafly, ...only five states define domestic

violence in terms of overt actions that can be objectively proven or refuted in a court of law.

The rest of the states have concurred that domestic violence includes fear, emotional distress, and

psychological feelings, according to Schlafly. ...women know (and their lawyers advise them)

that making allegations of domestic violence (even without proof or evidence) is the fastest and

cheapest way to win child custody plus generous financial support (Schlafly). As conveyed by

Schlafly the financial incentives to lie and exaggerate about domestic violence are evident and

powerful. As these policies are no doubt generalized and in some ways discriminatory, there lies

the underlying cause for such drastic laws that the opposition seems to miss. Abuse does occur

and public policy should be aimed at preventing more than punishing such atrocious acts, for

once they start, a cycle ensues leaving behind the innocence and dignity of the perpetrators and

victims alike.

More people and more policies should be working to stomp out the endless cycles and

environments of abuse. With the continuous and uninterrupted abusive relationships society

acknowledges but do nothing about, there only grows more opportunity for abuse to grow

and spread like a disease. Audrey Austin touches on the infectious nature of abuse though the

protagonist when saying, My parents both grew up in violent homes. Even before I was born I

knew I would suffer the same fate (Austin 77). Much like Alicia in the story, real children face

very real danger when in an environment of domestic violence. In an article addressing child
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abuse in the context of domestic violence and explanations and implications, Dr. Ernest Jouriles

writes about domestic violence saying, Children in domestically violent families are at

substantially elevated risk for physical child abuse compared with children in homes without

domestic violence (Jouriles 9). Therefore, the generalized laws serve to provide a preventative

means and legal protection for those who see their life or relationship headed for violence.

Abuse is defined as treating someone with cruelty or violence as referred to by Dr.

Jouriles, which can seem broad and widely inclusive, but does accurately describe what abuse

really comes down to. Due the nature of human beings, there is no way to narrow down precisely

what the effects of cruelty and violence may be. Some may not experience the same degree of

psychological damage or physical pain as others, while some are driven past the bounds of what

they can tolerate and turn to murder and\or suicide as a way out. Austin depicts such a way out in

her story Shattered and Beaten, writing, My mother plunged the knife again and again.

Bastard! Bloody Bastard! she shouted (Austin 92). A scene in which the mother of the

protagonist brutally murders her husband/abuser in defense of her daughter and for what he has

done to her and her child. From the non-stop worldwide reports of domestic and child abuse, a

new and growing global sense of awareness has taken hold. In his article addressing child abuse,

Dr. Ernest Jouriles at one point discusses domestic violence writing, Now recognized by many

as a worldwide problem that dramatically affects health and well-being of those exposed to it

(Dr. Jouriles 1). Making the groups of those affected by abuse inclusive to even those who have

only been exposed to such things and not subjected to any actual violence or cruelty. Something

the opposition has deemed too general, but in reality, someone who sees abuse taking place is
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not negatively impacted physically, instead they are placed into the situation of responsibility to

act in effort to put an end to it. The beginning of domestic violence is typically the most crucial

time for the abuser and the abused, as this is when the abused makes the choice to stay or stop it

before the cycle can begin and the abuser invests their efforts to convince them to stay. Author,

businesswoman, and domestic abuse survivor Leslie Morgan Steiner refers to this when stating

in her Ted Talk, there was not a hint of violence or control or anger in Conor at the beginning. I

didn't know that the first stage in any domestic violence relationship is to seduce and charm the

victim. (Steiner, 4:05). Once the abuse has begun, the victim or victims fall under the control of

their abuser. A control that is dependent on fear; whether that fear is for ones own safety, the

safety of loved ones, fear of losing everything, fear of shame, or a fear of leaving the person they

love despite their abusive actions This kind of control leaves traces and indicators that can be

seen and acted on by others.

Because there are so many different kinds of abuse, there are many signs that can be left

and picked up on by others. As written on the social care website,some signs may include; Loss

of appetite or overeating at inappropriate times. Anxiety, confusion or general resignation.

Tendency towards social withdrawal and isolation Fearfulness and signs of loss of

self-esteem(scie.org). Austin demonstrates some of these symptoms of abuse through her main

character Alicia when writing, I found that eating more than really needed helped make me

worry a little less (Austin 65). Signs like these, while not always indicative of violence or

abuse, should not be ignored; sometimes just paying more attention and looking for other signs

is all it takes to realize what may really be going on. Again things like these are referred to by

some as overgeneralized, but they are signs of abuse nonetheless. That being said, no action
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being taken to intervene and prevent further abuse is no different than standing in the room while

the abuse takes place and looking away rather than helping. If nothing is done about the abuse,

the chances of the violence escalating increases dramatically; which is especially true after the

victim cannot take the abuse any longer and ends the cycle by ending the relationship. Steiner

conveys this when discussing the ultimate end to domestic violence, .. the final step in the

domestic violence pattern is kill her. Over 70 percent of domestic violence murders happen after

the victim has ended the relationship (Steiner 10:51). Because of the seriousness of such

matters, many do not want to assume abuse is occurring, yet it is important to act on feelings

such as these and make sure that whomever you fear may be in danger is not, otherwise,they may

have no other way out. Those in abusive relationships hold the power that they need to get out,

yet it is difficult for them to see it, and often are blind to it completely seeing no way out and

remaining trapped for years if not for the rest of their lives.

The power to get away from an abusive loved one is never easy to use and often comes

after extreme acts, leaving the victim to feel as if they have no other option. Leaving is not the

only way for victims to get out, speaking out and asking for help has also been an effective

method. In her Ted Talk Steiner discusses how she used her power of voice to save herself, ...I

broke the silence. I told everyone: the police, my neighbors, my friends and family, total

strangers,...(Steiner, 12:00). By alerting others to her situation, she was able to get away for

good and more importantly safely. Sadly,because of the process one goes through while in an

abusive relationship, many find themselves without anyone to call out to, and others find

themselves isolated completely. Another way to stop the abuse is for the abuser to take action

for themselves and seek out help to stop the cause of their violent acts, ...aggressive behavior,
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including both partner and child abuse, is triggered by stressful events or a series of events or

circumstances that cause stress (Dr. Jouriles 6). However, it is not common for that to be the

avenue utilized to end the cycle of abuse; as there is typically a startling degree of

self-justification one experiences being in the position of abuser. Another side of treatments that

is suited for child abuse specifically is discussed in the article Child Abuse in the Context of

Domestic Violence: Prevalence, Explanations, and Practice Implications which states, In

theory, treatment for child abuse might be more effective following treatment for domestic

violence, especially given certain hypotheses for what explains the increased prevalence of child

abuse in domestically violent families (Dr. Jouriles 9). A factor which indicates not only the

increased cases of child abuse in domestically violent households, but also points to stamping out

the abuse at its original sources to prevent further violence. Various things can be done to end

domestic violence and child abuse, but all depend largely on a great deal of courage, either on

the part of the abused, the abuser, or a person outside of the relationship or houshold who takes

action.

Efforts to stop domestic violence are far from where they need to be, as made very clear

by the fact that one in every three women will at some point experience physical or sexual

violence, and most commonly from an intimate partner. From domestic violence, the door to

child abuse is opened, and through child abuse, the chances of domestic violence becoming a

part of that childs adult life increases significantly. The cycle of abuse is vicious and

self-sustaining, making it near impossible for the systematic violence to end naturally on its own.

People will continue to be influenced by their surroundings and situations, allowing others to

decide their character and therefore their lifes course. There lies a certain amount of
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responsibility on all people to be aware of the signs that point to abuse and to act when they see

them. Whether that action is alerting the authorities or talking to the victim, chances are you will

be their fastest and safest way away from the life they are trapped in.
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Works Cited

Austin, Audrey. "Shattered and Beaten". N.p.: n.p., n.d. Amazon.kindle.com. Web. May 2017.
<https://www.amazon.in/SHATTERED-BEATEN-Short-Stories-Social-ebook/dp/B00GLC
EYBW>.

""The Incidence of Domestic Violence Is Exaggerated."" Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing

Viewpoints in Context. Greenhaven Press, 2009. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
<citruscollege.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http:///link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/EJ3010126260
/OVIC?u=glen55457&xid=b>.

Jouriles, Ernest N., PhD, and Renee Slep McDonald, PhD. ""Child Abuse in the Context of
Domestic Violence: Prevalence, Explanations, and Practice Implications"." Violence and
Victims, New York. Springer Publishing Company, 18 July 2015. Web. 17 May 2017.
<http://citruscollege.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/2085575
28?accontid=40706>.

"Social Care Institute for Excellence." Social Care Institute for Excellence. N.p., n.d. Web. 17
May 2017. <http://www.scie.org.uk/>.

Steiner, Leslie Morgan. "Why Domestic Violence Victims Don't Leave." Leslie Morgan Steiner:
Why Domestic Violence Victims Don't Leave | TED Talk | TED.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 17
May 2017
<https://www.ted.com/talks/leslie_morgan_steiner_why_domestic_violence_victims_don
_t_leave>
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