ER nurse: Domestic violence deaths are showing an alarming rise in NC | Opinion

Much like a hidden mold, domestic violence infects countless neighborhoods and communities, silently causing devastation and affecting generation after generation. Domestic violence destroys the structure of homes and the people who live there.

It does not discriminate, transcending boundaries of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nationality and socioeconomic status. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is our opportunity to address the issue openly. Breaking the cycle begins with breaking the silence.

As an emergency department nurse, I have witnessed firsthand the effects of domestic violence. Women and men with bruising, strangulation marks, broken bones, burns, stab wounds, and gunshot wounds. I would argue that you, too, have known or been acquainted with someone who has been a victim of this type of violence. It is a significant public health concern.

Victims — women and men — often endure a life of silent suffering, trapped in a cycle of abuse that tragically can end in death. Children in homes where domestic violence occurs are secondary victims, witnessing horrific abuse and witnessing murders in the sanctuary of their homes.

We must shatter this silence and recognize that domestic violence is a public health crisis affecting one in three women and one in nine men, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This staggering statistic emphasizes the urgency and need to address this pervasive issue that likely affects someone you know and love.

Sadly, it is a problem on the rise. According to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, North Carolina is experiencing an increase in deadly outcomes, with 59 domestic violence homicides reported as of Oct. 4, 2023 compared to 47 deaths in all of 2022.

The attitude of “not in my home” or “not in my backyard” must end. We must expose domestic violence for what it truly is: a pervasive behavior destroying lives and the health of our communities. By increasing public awareness of domestic violence, calling it by name, and partnering with law enforcement and our judicial system, we can normalize the dialogue in the streets, bus stops, grocery stores, car washes, hair salons, and barber shops.

This nightmare often paralyzes victims and families into an almost catatonic fear. It’s time to shed light on this pressing concern, expose its devastating impact, and work together to eradicate this silent epidemic.

Conversations about domestic violence should be approached with the same resolve as bullying in schools and the workplace. Discussions should echo in board rooms, classrooms, community centers, and homes. Billboards, advertisements and articles about domestic violence should be prominent when we scroll, commute, shop, play and worship.

Let it be out in the open; eradication begins with conversations.

Combating this crisis requires resources, time and the commitment of health care and non-health care professionals in our community. When discussing health care, domestic violence should be discussed the same way we discuss heart disease or diabetes. As health concerns grow, the time has come to expose its devastating impact and urge those affected to speak up and work together to eradicate this silent epidemic.

Domestic violence is an insidious killer of our families, the mold must be addressed as it will continue to destroy the mere fabrics of our homes, our lives and the lives of our nation. Open your eyes and offer a helping hand to these victims of abuse.