By: Emily Carter
In analyzing recent findings from the CDC, I was introduced to the heartbreaking story of Lisa Thompson. Before this, I had never heard of Lisa, but her tragic experience sheds light on a critical issue facing women in America. Lisa endured two decades of abuse from her partner, who ultimately took her life. As I read her story, I was left in disbelief at the grim reality.
Lisa took every possible step to protect herself and her children. She reported the abuse, sought refuge in a women’s shelter, and obtained restraining orders against her violent partner. Yet, despite her efforts, on June 15, 2010, she was fatally shot by him while her child hid in the next room. This shocking act of violence followed years of intimidation and control.
Regrettably, Lisa’s experience is not an isolated incident. Each year, thousands of women lose their lives at the hands of intimate partners. The real danger lies not in the shadows of dark alleys or parking lots, but within the very homes where women should feel safest.
Statistics reveal that a staggering 93% of female murder victims knew their assailant. While the findings of the CDC may not come as a surprise to many, the fact that intimate partner violence remains the leading cause of violent death among women is alarming. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have faced physical abuse from an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Even more troubling is the statistic that 1 in 4 women have experienced severe physical violence from a partner. This means that while you’re engaging in everyday activities, such as attending a school meeting or waiting in line for coffee, there’s likely someone nearby who has suffered from intense domestic violence.
This reality should incite outrage, but what can be done to foster safer environments for women and children? One crucial step is advocating for sensible gun laws. Given that firearms were involved in 54% of female homicides, it is vital to expand background checks and close existing loopholes. Women are losing their lives to gun violence inflicted by their partners, and inaction makes us complicit.
Additionally, women’s shelters require more funding and resources to accommodate families, including teenage boys, as many shelters currently do not permit them to stay. This forces mothers to make unimaginable choices between their safety and the well-being of their sons. When a woman gathers the courage to leave an abuser, her children should be able to accompany her, regardless of their age.
Moreover, we must shift the narrative around domestic violence, replacing judgment and shame with support and understanding. Silence can be deadly; offering kindness and empowerment can make a difference in a victim’s life.
To effectively assist those in danger, police departments and shelters need access to resources like the Danger Assessment Tool, created by domestic violence researcher Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell. This tool allows individuals to assess daily experiences of violence, helping professionals identify those at the highest risk of fatal outcomes.
Programs such as Green Dot can also play a role in community education about violence prevention. By fostering personal accountability and empowering individuals to recognize and address violence, we can create safer environments for all.
If Lisa Thompson had completed the Danger Assessment before her death, her score would have been alarmingly high, indicating she was in imminent danger. We owe it to all women like Lisa to do better.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, remember that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you navigate this difficult situation. For more information on family-building options, this is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, intimate partner violence is a pervasive issue that demands our attention and action. By advocating for sensible laws, supporting shelters, and fostering a culture of kindness and understanding, we can help protect vulnerable individuals and work towards eradicating this tragic reality.