"lf the m,tmbers we see i,n domesti,c appked to terrorism or g ong ui,olence, th,e entire country would be up i,n

unn s, and it would

u'iolence, were be the Lead,

children witness domestic

violence each and every year in the U.S. alone. Over the past few decades we have become more and more aware of the developmental, emotional, and psychological impact of exposure to domestic violence on children. Such exposure has been shown to

Santa Barbara Shelter, 964-5245; Lompoc Shelter, 736-0965; Santa Maria Shelter, 925-2160; Santa Ynez Valley,686-4390.

visitation orders. They can be

story on the news euerA

. Transitional housing

nighl.' -Rep.MarkGreen n Part 1 of this twopart series, I presented an overview ofthe nationwide travesty known as domestic violence and abuse. To briefly review: domestic
violence, also known as spgusal abuse, domestic abuse, or

further impact

their behavioral,
social and cognitive development as

programs. A transitional housing program for residents who have been in emergency shelter and have met their goals during their respite is available. Women and their children are able to stay for as long as 18 months in one

reached at their offices locate Santa Barbara, Santa Maria a Lompoc. . Santa Barbara,301 E. Can Perdido St., Santa Barbara, Ct

93101;963-6754 . Santa Maria,301 S. Miller Suite 121, Santa Maria, CA934

922-9909 . Lompoc, 604 E. OceanAve Suite B, Lompoc, CA93436;73

6582

ofthe apartments
maintained by Domestic Violence
Solutions while

well.
Sorne

ofthe

morecommon
impacts on children

Remember, abusers are incredibly talented at controll and manipulating their victim These victims are exhausted,

battering, is defined as a pattern ofabusive behaviors by one partner against qnother who are involved in some style of intimate relationship, whether it be marriage, family, cohabitation or dating. Domestic violence and abuse are not limited to the obvious physical violence, but rather comes in many forms, including:
physical assault or aggression; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; verbal abuse; and economic
abuse.

include escalating
aggressiveness, depression and anxiety. Just as troubling is the perpetuation ofthe "cycle of

ww&Ltrww ffiffistuf,ffi HEALTHY FUTURE

Dr. Glenn E.

continuing to receive counseling and support

seryices.

Miller

. Anger

management counseling.

Domestic violence and abuse happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, size, race, ethnic background, economic level or sexual preference. The goal ofthe perpetrator of domestic violence is control. They will attempt to wrestle away control from their victim and tightly hold on to it usingguilt,
shame, intimidation, humiliation,
does not discriminate. It can

violence" seen as a correlate betweenthe exposure of children to domestic violence and neglect and violence in adulthood. Furthermore, it has been shown that children who witness violence against their mother are much more likelyto demonstrate signs' and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Although it should go without saying, domestic violence should

This program provides counseling to both court-mandated and voluntary individuals who battle with problems controlling their anger. Domestic Violence Soltitions runs a 3-6 month program workingto teach appropriate responses to
anger.

scared, confused and ashamer They need help out oftheir nightmare of a situation. Although it is impossible to know with certainty what goes behind closed doors, there are telltale signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse, If you witness the warning signs of abuse in a friend, famr member, or co-workeq take th very seriously and help them g the help they need.
Gtenn E. Mr,llef M.D. is a board, certi,fi,ed psyctnatri,st who h.as
been i,npriuate practice

nothappento anyone, ever! Yet, sadly, it does, and at an alarming their partner. Ifyou find yourself in irnmediate danger, call9-11. Ifyou, or someone you know, ,are beingvictimized by domestic
violence and abuse please contact
one ofour exceptional local agencies committed to helping
,

rate. No one should live in

fearof

The LegalAid Foundation of Santa Barbara County provides legal assistance free ofcharge to low-income individuals, and will assist any and all people victimized by domestic violence . regardless of income. They will assist in obtaining

ut

Santa Barbara for more tlr.cwt 20 geors. Dr. Mi.Ller i,s m - autho
Med;ici,ne :

of "An ci:ent Herb s, Mo d em Improuing Your Hea bg C ombi,ning Chi,nese Herbal

isolation and fear. Althcvrgh there is no way to know j.he exact numbers qf domestic violence and abuse, there is a large body ofevidence clearly indicatingthat women are far more likely than men to be the victini of such violgnee and abuse, Women are also more likelyto be injured by an abusive partner. 'Even more challenging than determining the rate ofviolence against women is determining the level ofviolenee against men. Male victims of domestic violence and abuse are often even more reluctant than their female counterparts to come forward.

restraining orders in order to protect victims from their abusers, and further help in obtaining
appropriate child custody and

Me di,ci,ne and, We st em Me di,ci,nr Opi,ni.ons i.n th.e column ar e Dr. Mi,Ller's an d not n e c e s s ari,lg tho of the N ew s -Pre ss. S end, qu,e shc or topi,cs g ou w ould.Ltke cou ere t

glenn@healthgmindhealthffih
.con'\.

victims ofthis all too rampant

problerh. Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County is an

extraordindry program iroviding, shelter, safety and supportvia a broad range of services to victims
and families of domestic violence and abuse. They can be contacted attheir

AU.S. Department ofJustice report in which l"6,000Americans were surveyed demonstrated that just morethan22percent of women and more than 7 percent of men reported a history of
domestic viblence sometime in

their life, whether it be from

a current or former spouse,

girlfriend, orwhile on

cohabitating partner, boyfriend or

a date.

Another U.S. study showed that women were 13 tim6s more likely to seek out medical attention than men as a result of injuries due to
spousal violence. When it comesto domestic violence and abuse, the "other" victim ofsuch behaviors are the children. More than 3 million

. Emergency shelter. There are three confidential emergency shelters available to womeh and their children throughout Santa Barbara County where they can stay for as long as 45 days. These shelters not only provide safety, but residents also receive emotional support, clothing, food, counseling and support groups, as well as other services.

main administrative office in Santa Barbara by calling 9634458. Just some of the many programs and services they provide include:

. 24-hourcrisis hbtline. Four

providing information, counseling

and refemals, and are able to

separate hotlines- are manned around the clock by trained staff

facilitate admission to one of their emergency shelters. These

can be accessed by callingthe