Frank Lautenberg: “The underlying problem is, in this country of ours, that domestic violence, no matter how severe the beating, is often…”

“The underlying problem is, in this country of ours, that domestic violence, no matter how severe the beating, is often dismissed as a squabble. I have heard reports of judges saying, ``Oh, he didn't really mean it. He didn't intend to hurt you. Can't you go home and settle it between you?'' And very often, of the cases reported, there is so much trauma attached to the recipient of the abuse that she--typically it is a she--is afraid to pursue the case any further because, along with the continuing relationships, inevitably are the threats of further disassociation, which, in many cases, could mean the end of income, support, mean the end of some reassurance that there is a roof over their heads. So they sell their souls. They quit when, if they knew that the State cared more about it, they would continue to pursue it. The other thing is, they are afraid that the guy, the fellow who first treated them to a fist in the face, may come home with a gun and take their lives. One can only imagine what kind of rage exists within a man who would beat up a woman, and often in front of the children they have. It is an outrageous condition that exists. And this country has not yet taken it seriously enough.”