I just read Joan's post about the woman who was beaten and
then run over with a pick up. It certainly sounded like another case of domestic violence to me. Most of you know
that the most rewarding job that I ever had was in a domestic
violence shelter. Breaking the cycle of violence through life
changes, education and empowerment was the mission of the
shelter and it was so satisfying when we were successful.

It isn't just the ignorant and poverty stricken who batter
their wives. We had lawyer's wives and doctors wives come to
the shelter. It is harder for them to take the economic risk
than it is for women who have nothing. Then too, women become
addicted to the honeymoon phase of battering. After a woman
is beaten, the husband becomes very loving. He promises to
never again hurt her and treats her tenderly until the next
time he loses control.

Most of the women told us that emotional abuse was worse than
physical abuse. Being convinced you are nothing and have no
value every day of your life is corrosive.

I abhor violence. It is so stupid and it seems to be more
common today that ever, although casting an eye backward
over history, it has always been with us.