Celebrity scandals easily dominate headlines and our interest. But instead of using it as fodder for social media and conversation—maybe we can learn from it.
This time the headline has yet another domestic violence issue—an athlete caught on tape months ago punching his then fiancé and knocking her out. You may know the name well—but it doesn’t matter. It’s an issue that continues to occur despite someone’s standing in the community, career, income bracket or race. It continues to happen in shocking numbers. It happens in our city and in your neighborhood.
The statistics are staggering—one in four women are assaulted in their lifetime. Every year, three million children witness domestic violence in their homes. Every year, one in three women who is a victim of homicide is murdered by her current or former partner.
Here at home, studies show that San Diego’s South County region has a domestic violence rate of 20 per every 1,000 households. In 2012, Chula Vista Police Department responded to 1,115 domestic related calls for assistance. Looking even more closely, in Chula Vista’s western communities, there were 1,855 child abuse calls and 43% of these included allegations of emotional abuse, a coding that commonly refers to witnessing domestic violence.
There are many organizations, such as South Bay Community Services (SBCS), who have done much to provide emergency shelter and supports in San Diego County; however our reoccurring headlines show that much remains to be accomplished. While intervention supports are crucial, it’s prevention that will break the cycle of violence.
This cycle starts at a young age. Whether or not children are physically abused, they are affected and often suffer emotional and psychological trauma from living in homes where violence occurs. They learn that violence is an effective way to resolve conflicts and problems. They are at greater risk to grow up and become a perpetrator or victim themselves. These children are at greater risk of substance abuse, failure in school, aggressive behavior or depression. All these factors affect the health of our community and economy.
SBCS’s Mi Escuelita Therapeutic Preschool, in operation since 2007, is the only one of it’s kind designed especially for children affected by domestic violence and abuse to help break the cycle of violence. Currently, 72 children age’s three to five are enrolled. With a full time therapist on site and specialized staff, the children are provided a safe place to learn and heal. The school also works closely with the children’s caregivers – parent, family member or foster parents – to help them with behavior issues and learning opportunities when children are away from the classroom. A UCSD longitudinal study currently underway has shown that Mi Escuelita children are doing well in school and are scoring above the Chula Vista Elementary School District average on both the state math and reading tests.
But sadly, at any given time, there are 50 to 90 children on the Mi Escuelita waiting list.
Domestic violence is often overlooked, excused or denied. We can work to stop this together. Just around the corner, the month of October is domestic violence awareness month and a great opportunity for you to get involved and learn more. Look for activities near you.
Here at home, SBCS welcomes your ideas, your gift of time and donation. It costs more than $7,500 per child per year at Mi Escuelita but it’s an investment that will carry them through life. Mi Escuelita is always looking for volunteers and other supports as well. You can reach SBCS at 619-420-3620.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or SBCS 24-hour hotline (800) 640-2933. For more information please visit www.SouthBayCommunityServices.org.
