LIVING SAFE: Remembering domestic violence on Valentine’s Day

By Katherine Cabaniss
  
Valentine’s Day is for celebrating the love in our lives. It is a day for flowers, chocolates, and perhaps even marriage proposals!

For some, love is not always composed of bliss or peace. Domestic violence may occur more often in some relationships than an annual holiday. For some, valentines are not a celebration, but a time for an apology.

Domestic Violence

The Texas Council on Family Violence reports that 114 women were killed in domestic violence murders in 2012. The number represents an increase of about 10 percent since 2011, but was down from a high of 142 victims in 2010.

Also in 2012, there were 188,992 family violence incidents reported. This level of violence is greater than 500 violent acts per day. Because it is believed that only a portion of the incidents that occur are reported, it is likely that the rate of domestic violence occurrences is even greater.

In addition, of the total 16,528 people who sought shelter from the violence, 14534 were children.

Valentine’s Day

Compare these statistics to those of the most romantic day of the year.

More than $18 billion will be spent on Valentine’s Day flowers, candy, and jewelry. And roses — 224 million were grown specifically for the annual event. About 150 million cards will be exchanged.

Even pets get into the act. Of the $130 that each person will spend on Valentine’s Day, about $4 will be for gifts to pets, our animal family members.

Cost comparison

The costs of domestic violence are high. Several categories of costs have been identified. From lost productivity at work due to injury, to actual medical expenses from emergency room visits, to costs of counseling and shelter, domestic violence is an expense that our community currently bears.

Programs to reduce domestic violence have been in existence for years. They have measurable results and successes. Reports and studies indicate that they are cost-effective. Routing our Valentine’s Day and other spending toward those programs that reduce the impact of domestic violence is worthy of our consideration.

This year, celebrate the love in your life. Remember that for many, violence is routine and Valentines are rare.

If you know someone who is suffering in a violent relationship, give them the gift of your support. This Valentine’s Day, reach out to that person who may be suffering in silence. Without judgment or demand, offer your support. Your listening ear may be more valuable than any Valentine they receive.

Make it not only the most romantic day of the year, but also the safest.

Source: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/fort_bend/opinion/living-safe-remembering-domestic-violence-on-valentine-s-day/article_195ce733-95d2-57aa-8f83-7891bbe6ad2e.html