Late last year I attended a Stop Domestic Violence event at Governor State University. During this time at the event, each person who attended had an opportunity to watch a documentary on women who have struggled personally with domestic violence.

While watching the documentary, the women explained that if it is not deemed a serious injury, the abuser is only charged with a misdemeanor. I found it interesting to note that if you steal from a department store, you are automatically charged with a felony. Yet, there are women who have to be beaten so badly, they have internally injuries, or in some cases, they have to be killed, for a domestic crime to be taken seriously. Some of these women and men end up feeling they have no choice but suicide. Other times, killing the abuser or being killed by the abuser is the only option.
It is unfortunate that women and men are often told they have to have more “proof” before the abuser is considered a threat. As a student at Rich Central High School, I am interested in leading the charge to have informational gatherings regarding domestic violence. It’s never to early to take a stand and say NO to all domestic violence.