Domestic violence can’t always be seen by the naked eye

Cameron Adams
Sports Editor

According to the Center for Disease Control, domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power over another intimate partner.

Domestic violence is a disturbingly common issue within the Black community. 

As a black man from Jackson, Miss., I am aware of the financial barriers created to keep my people in negative statistics. Statistics that hold black women as the highest percentage of domestic violence victims.  

At Coburn Place, a well-known domestic violence program, 65 percent of their clients in 2020 identified as black and female. This is true at many domestic violence service organizations nationwide in my opinion.

And what is the cause of this issue? I believe it is the lack of resources offered to black people. Jackson is a prime example of a majority black population not receiving the proper funds to maintain a safe environment. 

Not feeling safe on the streets of Jackson is highly understandable, but feeling threatened in your own home is something no one should experience. 

Domestic violence is one of the worst types of abuse, because it happens behind closed doors. The victim is left at home with the attacker, which means that there is truly no escape unless they reach out for help.

Due to this conflicting issue, most police officers will only take domestic abuse cases if there is clear evidence that supports the claim. This is unfortunate for domestic violence victims who suffer emotional scarring rather than physical.

This leaves a very important question at hand: How can someone prove that they’ve been abused, if the scars that were created aren’t visible?

We all have that friend who always “acts funny” when they get in a relationship. They might miss a few classes and start making excuses about not showing up to “Fried Chicken Wednesday”, but we don’t think much of it. 

But then their behavior begins to change. The once vibrant and confident, social butterfly begins to build her own cocoon. They begin to act quiet and lack the confidence they had before. 

You can tell that their emotions vary by the day and when you ask about them, they take their anger out on you. So, what do you do from here? 

Continue to be there for that person. If you suspect that your friend is being harmed in the relationship, speak up and show your concern. 

If you end that friendship, that could be one less safe place for them to go in the future. Although you can’t force them to leave the relationship, you can always reassure them that you’ll be there to help.

I eventually plan to raise more awareness to the topic of domestic abuse and sympathize for any victims of the tragic situation. 

If you are experiencing domestic violence or know someone who is, please reach out to the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 1.800.898.3234.