Purple, a color often associated with royalty, luxury, and wisdom, takes on a far deeper and more poignant meaning in October. As the world observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the rich hue of purple becomes a symbol of solidarity, hope, and the urgent call to end domestic violence. This shade, while representing strength and resilience, also mirrors the physical and emotional bruises that many victims bear, especially those with darker skin tones where abuse often goes unnoticed. Healthcare professionals now use purple light to better identify bruises, shining light—literally and metaphorically—on the hidden scars of abuse.

A Historical Glimpse: From Acceptance to Rebellion

Astonishingly, the idea of marital abuse was not just tolerated but legally sanctioned for centuries. As far back as the 15th century, under the “Rule of Marriage,” women were regarded as their husbands' property, to be disciplined or discarded at will. It wasn’t until 1882 that the state of Maryland criminalized wife-beating, punishing offenders with 40 lashes or a year in jail—a small but significant step in the fight for women’s rights.

One of the earliest high-profile cases of domestic violence involved Mary Eleanor Bowes, an 18th-century woman who endured years of physical and psychological abuse at the hands of her husband, Andrew Robinson Stoney. Stoney, who had cunningly tricked Bowes into marriage, not only stripped her of her wealth but subjected her to horrendous acts of violence. For eight long years, Bowes endured beatings, hair-pulling, and even burns. But Bowes, a woman of remarkable tenacity, eventually fought back. Her landmark legal battle in 1777 set a precedent, winning her the right to divorce, reclaim her wealth, and gain custody of her children. Her victory, however, was bittersweet. Stoney later kidnapped her, trying to extort her fortune once again. Thankfully, Bowes prevailed, and Stoney was imprisoned, marking a pivotal moment in the long journey towards recognizing domestic abuse as a crime.

A Global Movement Gains Momentum

By the late 19th century, the tides began to turn. With more cases coming to light, the U.S. finally outlawed wife-beating in 1920, paving the way for the women’s rights movement. The conversation around domestic violence gained more attention in the 1990s when awareness of male victims of abuse started to rise, adding a new dimension to the movement.

The real breakthrough came in 1994 with the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), spearheaded by then-Senator Joe Biden. This legislation laid the foundation for nationwide programs addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In 1995, the creation of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) further cemented the government’s commitment to supporting survivors and prosecuting abusers.

The Numbers Paint a Grim Picture

While legislation and awareness campaigns have made strides, the statistics around domestic violence remain alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in two women in the U.S. will experience physical violence in their lifetime. Texas ranks 12th in the nation for domestic violence rates, with 40.1% of women affected. The state is also ranked 10th for sexual violence against teenage girls, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue.

One of the most chilling statistics is that domestic violence remains one of the most underreported crimes. This trend worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. As families were forced into lockdowns, many victims found themselves trapped with their abusers. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for a “ceasefire” to this hidden pandemic, acknowledging that COVID-19 created conditions that were ideal for abusers. In the U.S., reports of domestic violence spiked by 8% during the lockdown. Although those numbers have since decreased, the scars of that period linger.

A Call to Action: Supporting Survivors and Stopping the Cycle

Domestic violence disproportionately affects minority communities, where a lack of resources often prevents victims from escaping their situations. This is where national hotlines and local resources become crucial. In Texas, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233, offering a lifeline for those who need help but are afraid to ask.

Domestic Violence Resources

 National Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-7233

Texas Domestic Violence Hotline: 

1-800-799-7233

For more info. visit https://www.thehotline.org/