While many once taboo subjects are now being talked about more, the stigma associated with many subjects still keeps important conversations hidden. A recent study found that 34 percent of individuals in Louisiana and throughout the United States thought that domestic violence and abuse was too taboo to talk about. This is a 10 percent jump from the 24 percent of respondents who considered the topic too taboo when the same question was asked four years ago.
Despite this number of people saying abuse was too taboo to discuss, 62 percent of those surveyed found that domestic violence was an “extremely serious problem.” This appears to be in line with other national statistics. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in three women and one in four men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner. This violence was graded as “severe” for one in four women and one in seven men.
This kind of abuse can have devastating consequences. For victims, there is serious risk of extreme injury and death. The 15 million children who reportedly live in homes where domestic violence has taken place are at higher risk of entering into abusive relationships or becoming abusive themselves.
Studies show that the most dangerous time for an abuse victim is when they leave the relationship. This is a time when support and protection is often needed, so there is concern about survey results showing that abuse is taboo for many. Those looking for legal protection as a result of domestic violence, such as a protective order, should speak with a Louisiana lawyer.
Source: romper.com, “People Still Think Domestic Violence Is Too Taboo To Talk About, & It’s Having Deadly Consequences For Families“, Alana Romain, April 16, 2018