In order to stop the cycle, we must first identify the problem

William H. Kelly III
Editor-in-Chief

Imagine the person you love the most; your sister, mother, brother, best friend, supervisor, whoever. Now, imagine that same person in a hospital bed, skin a deep purple, face bloody, eyes nearly closed, and body swollen as a result of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is an uncomfortable topic slightly similar to the uneasiness you feel when having that conversation about sex with parents, discussing religious beliefs, interviews, and even public speaking. It is just something we all prefer to avoid, right?

Too often we try to put ourselves in the shoes of someone who has experienced or is experiencing domestic abuse, saying how we would simply leave, fight back, or inform someone of the situation. Sadly, unless you have actually experienced or witnessed something as traumatic as domestic violence, you can not say how you would actually react.

Try to imagine being in this unfortunate yet common situation as having an entire speech and presentation prepared for weeks but once it is time to finally present, you instantly become ice cold, your mind and body shuts down, you begin breathing heavily, and you are unable to function. While I am aware that these two things are obviously not equivalent, it may be simpler for some of you to understand and relate.

For those who have not figured it out, I was once a victim of domestic violence. I have always wondered, from the first evening it occurred in my household up until this day, how could someone deliberately harm a person they supposedly love and care for? Next I ask myself how can we as a people finally put an end to this cycle of abuse?

It recently occurred to me that maybe if both the victims and non-victims could properly and efficiently identify the signs of a domestic violence relationship and its victims, then the cycle of abuse would ultimately cease. I know that it sounds like an extreme reach and highly impossible but my optimism and determination will not allow me to let this continue.

Along with this, society has to make victims more comfortable with using their voice. Victims who gain the courage to speak on domestic violence and even sexual abuse are bashed and attacked because they “put themselves in that situation.”

We cannot terminate something when we are not even willing to listen to those who do reach out. Also, I believe that until there is more support and genuine cooperation from the world’s public safety, this cycle will continue. Victims are in fear of their lives if they even consider speaking up and if they report the abuser they are at risk of being beaten more or even killed.

Let us take the initiative to serve as ambassadors and encourage, motivate, and support those victims around the world, putting an end to domestic violence one voice at a time.