The Hidden Casualties of War

Last night, CBS Evening News aired a story about domestic violence in the US Military. A follow up story will air tonight. It's interesting that the story is titled, The Hidden Casualties of War. Domestic violence is not as hidden as people say that it is.

Many victims do come forward for help, but they are turned away. They are told to try harder, pray harder, or sometimes they are told to "just leave."

It's not a simple event to leave an abusive partner. It takes time, money, resources, and safety planning. And with all of that, sometimes it can still lead to more misery, abuse, stalking, and sometimes death.

And oftentimes when victims do come forward they are not made aware that domestic violence is a crime and that there are civil and criminal remedies. They are not offered counseling, safety planning, or shelter. Not every victim keeps her abuse a secret. Sometimes it's the community that is keeping domestic violence a secret and not offering help, support, and most importantly: accountability of abusers.

To view the story on CBS Evening News, go to: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/28/eveningnews/main4761199.shtml