THE PROVIDERS
Fighting Back Against Domestic Violence BY: MELANIE RODRIGUEZ, Outreach Services Manager, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Inc. www.avdaonline.org
S
urvivors of domestic violence live in our neighborhoods, are employed at places we frequent in our community, and at times are visitors in our homes attending friendly gatherings and celebrations. Domestic violence can happen to anyone. The decision to perpetuate abusive behaviors is made by the abuser, not the survivor. It’s not the survivor’s fault. So often, survivors are questioned as to why do they stay? Why don’t they report and move forward with charges? Why don’t they leave? The belief that survivors of domestic violence can end the violence by ending the relationship is harmful and not always true. Controlling tactics, abusive behavior, and violence often increase after the relationship has ended because the abusive partner 16
THE WELL OF PBC / DEC ISSUE 2021
“The responsibility to
end domestic violence is on us. We are the community of hope.
”
