The Battered Women's Movement: The Domestic Violence Movement

Domestic violence has been around for many years. It is even mentioned in the bible, Judges 19. Unfortunately, it is still a prevalent issue that is on the rise. Dr. Miller (2009) mentions in his book, “The domestic violence movement, also referred to as the battered women’s movement, has a long history, although it picked up steam with the advent of the feminist movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1971, Erin Pizzey opened the first battered women’s shelter in Chiswick, England. The first shelters in the United States opened their doors in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota; Pasadena, California; and Phoenix, Arizona, in 1972. Soon thereafter, a shelter opened in Boston, Massachusetts, and Casa Myrna Vasquez, also in Boston, opened its doors as the first shelter providing services primarily for Latinas. The first support group for battered lesbians began in Seattle in 1985. Awareness and services have increased exponentially over the past three decades, and as of September 2007, a total of 1,949 domestic violence programs were operational across the United States.”

This horrible act can happen in a variety of ways. The abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and economical. Domestic violence is a pervasive problem that is among everyone everywhere. Even if you have not been involved in domestic violence, you may know someone who is or has been affected by it. Proverbs 31:8 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the right of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. It is important to report any signs of domestic violence to the proper authorities. Regardless if the individual needs help or not, their lives can be protected and