Your Views

Support can grow for abused who speak out

In response to the recent letter on the topic, "We need to talk about domestic violence too," I believe that in order to continue the conversation of violence, we must also change the stigma for the treatment victims who do speak out and step forward against abuse receive.

With the progression of the #Metoo movement, a trend has been revealed of victims who come forth being questioned and their accusations being discredited as the blame is put toward them based on certain stereotypes of what clothing they might have been wearing and whether or not it would be deemed "socially acceptable."

In this sense, we see the norm developing of an "assume first, ask later" mentality when the abuser gets more leeway and attention than the courageous victim receives empathy.

Because of this, many people, men and women alike - one in three women and one in four men have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime - live with the trauma of abuse for years as they become closeted with the immense fear of speaking out for help due to the humiliation and ridicule they could potentially face.

The mass attention gathered through the #Metoo movement just goes to show not only the potential for support of the issue, but due to the number of people stepping forward, just how regular this abuse happens on a daily basis no matter the person. With more support comes more conversation and with the conversation should be understanding for every victim's voice with an open mind, as opposed to letting our predispositions cloud us from formulating an educated opinion.

Skylar Kustra

Des Plaines