The victims of domestic violence live in a silent state of fear, isolation and intimidation until they get help. Here in Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the City Prosecutor's office wants the victims of abuse to reclaim their lives.
In an event Monday night at the Screenland Theater, about 75 people gathered for a public premiere of the city prosecutor's new anti-domestic violence video titled "Your Right. Your Life." Here's the abbreviated version:
Your Right Your Life (PSA) from Eddie Lorenzo on Vimeo.
Your Right Your Life (PSA) from Eddie Lorenzo on Vimeo.
The video's content was mostly what you'd expect, but with one new addition: the confessions of a recovered abuser.
In the video, an ex-convict identified as C.W. Riley detailed how he controlled and abused his domestic partner: "I put time and effort into thinking about how to control the other person so you know what works and what don't work," he said. "I thought it was my right to do that."
Riley described how jealousy and perceived slights escalated his behavior from pushing and shoving to outright hitting and beating and eventually a jail sentence. "I ain't proud," he admitted.
The path Riley took to prison is well worn. According to a 2005 study by the Department of Justice, female spouses account for 84 percent of domestic violence victims, and men accounted for 83 percent of spousal murderers. Fifty percent of spousal abuse offenders in state prison had killed their victims. A fact sheet from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence shows 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes.
Despite the prevalence of justice programs, some women feel too ashamed or threatened to report the abuse against them. Said one woman in the video: "He would have been more accountable if I hadn't dropped the charges."
Assistant City Prosecutor Martha Means said the victims of domestic violence should report abuse at 816-468-5463.
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