EDITORIAL: Domestic violence can't be ignored

Sept. 03--"There have been many documentaries on this topic...none can touch the power, sensitivity, and explanatory skill of this one."

- Vulture

October is generally observed as National Domestic Violence Month.

The Utica Public Library is starting early. Fact is, domestic violence knows no time or place.

Awareness must never be compromised.

To that end, the library will screen a documentary film, "Private Violence," Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Like domestic violence, the film is not for the faint of heart. Images and language are graphic and may be disturbing.

But the horrors cannot be hidden.

Awareness must never be compromised.

Tuesday's film -- free and open to all -- explores domestic violence through the eyes of victims and advocates in terms of the crime, law enforcement and legal options. It exposes myths, showing that domestic violence cuts across class and economic lines. Several victims are presented, including a young woman whose horrific case is reviewed in detail from start to its ultimate legal outcome.

Reference librarian Carl Antonucci said that the YWCA Mohawk Valley -- longtime crusaders against domestic violence -- will also provide an information table that night, along with an advocate in case someone has a personal or private question.

The YWCA operates two safe havens for women locally. Utica'sHall House opened in 1981, thanks to a donation made to the YWCA from the estate of Dr. William P. Hall. It provides a safe place for women and children to live and referrals to agencies that can help victims move on with their lives. It has since made the facility available to male victims of domestic abuse, too. In Rome, Lucy's House provides similar services. To access either facility or to speak with an advocate, call the 24-hour confidential hotline at 797-7740. Don't hesitate. Help is there.

Meanwhile, Tuesday's film will be presented in the gallery, but the library has also set aside an adjoining room so that if someone feels they need to speak privately with the YWCA advocate a place will be available. It will also provide a quiet spot for anyone who might need to take a break from the at-times disturbing documentary.

Domestic violence is insidious. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1 in 4 women (24.3 percent) and 1 in 7 men (13.8 percent) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. On average, 24 people per minute in the U.S. are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner -- more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year.

Awareness must never be compromised.

Here are a few things you can do:

- Talk to your children about relationships. Abuse isn't limited to older couples; it can begin early in teen dating, and locally, we've seen tragic results of that. Make sure your kids are familiar with early signs of abuse and tell them never to hesitate to seek help.

- Support programs aimed at fighting domestic abuse -- physical and mental -- and teach young children how to better cope with anger and aggression so it doesn't some day take the form of abuse.

- Speak up. Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others should watch for signs that could indicate that something is wrong. Domestic abuse surrounds us, and we need to establish a united front when it comes to recognizing and reporting it. Encourage victims to get help and offer support.

- Get help. That's the biggest challenge. Victims -- most often women -- are too often reluctant to report abuse because they either fear the abuser or are dependent on him. Many victims who do file charges eventually drop them for those same reasons. Be strong. Abusers rarely change their ways, and the abuse will likely only get worse. Establish a support network and get rid of the abuser. It can only lead to tragedy and tears.

Tuesday's film stresses the importance of not turning away and the value of advocacy. It could be a start.

Remember, awareness must never be compromised.

PRIVATE VIOLENCE

WHAT: Documentary film on domestic violence

WHEN: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Utica Public Library gallery, 303 Genesee St.

The film is open to the community free of charge. Viewers are warned that some images and language are graphic and may be disturbing. Call 315-735- 2279 with any questions.

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