Drop Out and Disappear

Underground: The Hidden Struggles of Survivors of Domestic Violence

Introduction

Underground, the pressure of the earth transforms fossils into oil, coal into diamonds. This metaphor perfectly encapsulates the transformative journey survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence undergo. The immense pressures they face can either make them stronger or leave them vulnerable, much like the process of turning coal into diamonds.

The Abortion Underground

Recently, I came across an article discussing the growing underground movement dedicated to providing safe access to abortion. This is not the first time such a movement has existed. Throughout history, women have consistently worked together to ensure access to medical care, safety, and freedom for others.

The Battered Women’s Movement

In the 1970s and 1980s, another underground movement emerged to protect women and children who were victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. I became involved in this movement while in graduate school in the 1970s. Shelters were being established across the country to assist women fleeing abusive situations. Erin Pizzey and the Chiswick Women’s Aid in the UK are credited with initiating this movement. In the US, Women’s Advocates in Minnesota opened the first shelter in 1974, followed by numerous other shelters and activist efforts.

The Growth of Shelters and Programs

By the mid-1970s, there were already over 150 shelters and programs operating in the US. This number grew to 300 by the late 1970s. In Portland, the first domestic violence shelter, Bradley Angle, opened its doors in 1975 and continues to operate today alongside other programs like Raphael House.

Impact and Challenges

This movement brought the issue of domestic violence out from behind closed doors and into the public eye. However, even with the establishment of crisis lines, shelters, improved police response, and restraining orders, some women still did not feel safe. For those in extreme danger, leaving their city or state was the only option. They had to go underground, starting anew in a different place with a new identity.

The Challenges of Going Underground

During those early years, women and children had to physically leave their homes to find safety. Disappearing and dropping out of sight was possible back then, unlike today’s interconnected world. Women had to navigate the complexities of changing their names, obtaining new social security numbers, and communicating with loved ones without revealing their location. They had to be cautious not to leave any trace that could be used by their abusers to track them down.

The Role of Shelters and Safe Houses

Shelters, safe houses, and crisis lines played crucial roles in supporting women on their clandestine journey to safety. They provided temporary accommodations, pooled resources and information, and offered guidance on finding sympathetic landlords and securing necessary documentation without revealing identifying information.

The Perils of Stalking

Even after escaping to presumed safety, women had to remain vigilant for signs of danger. Stalking became a constant threat that survivors had to navigate. The danger faced by these women extended to those working in the shelter and safe home systems as well.

A Personal Encounter

I recall a harrowing incident when a woman and her children, whom we had sheltered, were discovered by her abuser. He had traced her to our shelter in Oregon and managed to find my personal phone number and address. This incident highlighted the risks faced by those working in the field and the constant need for heightened security measures.

The Lack of Witness Protection for Survivors

While the Federal Witness Protection program has relocated thousands of witnesses and their families since 1971, survivors of domestic violence have no such protection. Domestic violence-related deaths have claimed the lives of approximately 1,000 women each year, totaling around 40,000 since 1971. Witness protection is not available to these survivors.

Conclusion

The struggles faced by survivors of domestic violence are immense. They often have to go underground, leaving behind their old lives and identities to find safety. The work of shelters, safe houses, and crisis lines is crucial in supporting these survivors on their journey. However, more needs to be done to protect them and provide witness protection-like programs specifically tailored to survivors of domestic violence.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault, which are directly related to gender inequality and the need for justice and strong institutions to protect survivors.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• SDG 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
• SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children.

The targets identified are directly related to the elimination of violence against women, girls, and children in both public and private spheres.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of shelters and programs opened to assist women fleeing domestic violence.
• Number of women and children seeking shelter or safe homes.
• Number of witnesses and family members relocated and supported through witness protection programs.
• Number of women killed as a result of domestic violence.

The article mentions the establishment of shelters and programs, the relocation of witnesses through the Federal Witness Protection program, and the number of women killed as indicators of progress or lack thereof in addressing domestic violence and providing support to survivors.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 5: Gender Equality	5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.	– Number of shelters and programs opened to assist women fleeing domestic violence. – Number of women and children seeking shelter or safe homes. – Number of women killed as a result of domestic violence.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions	16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children.	– Number of shelters and programs opened to assist women fleeing domestic violence. – Number of women and children seeking shelter or safe homes. – Number of witnesses and family members relocated and supported through witness protection programs. – Number of women killed as a result of domestic violence.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: oregonhumanities.org

 

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