Chapter 209A of the Massachusetts General Laws defines the term "abuse" as "the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family or household members: (a) attempting to cause or causing physical harm; (b) placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm; (c) causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat or duress." In my experience, domestic violence is often misunderstood in four fundamental ways.

First, many people do not realize that a relationship can be emotionally violent, and require legal protection for the victim, even with little or no actual physical abuse. It is important for our society, and the courts, to recognize the potential for violence before the first blow is struck. The murder that took place in Northampton on Center Street in 1999, right near my office, exemplifies this situation. In that case, the estranged husband made numerous threats to his wife, but had never actually caused her any physical harm. The Hampshire Probate and Family Court did recognize the risk of violence, and issued a restraining order. Ultimately, the order proved futile as the husband murdered his wife shortly after the hearing in which the Judge extended the order.

Second, emotional abuse can be degrading to the victims, lowering their self-esteem and reducing the possibility that they will take action to leave the relationship. Over time, they feel unloved and unlovable, and cannot imagine themselves outside of those cruel relationships. Often, the abusers deliberately isolates their victims by impeding their ability to socialize with others and by undermining any possibility of economic independence. These actions further thwart the victims' ability to help themselves. Counseling and support groups are necessary to empower such victims and enable them to seek protection.

Third, men, like women, can be the victims of domestic violence. This can happen in any relationship, be it heterosexual or homosexual. Male victims are typically less willing to report abuse, for fear of societal condemnation. However, they can suffer from the same low self-esteem that female victims experience. In fact, men may have less of a support network than some women and therefore suffer in silence. In my experience, men certainly are less likely to get assistance from the police. Our society requires increased sensitivity to and empathy for male victims of domestic violence.

Fourth, it is important to remember that restraining orders are just pieces of paper. Courts can tell the abuser to refrain from abuse, to stay away from the victim's home and work, grant the victim custody of the children, and order the abuser to surrender guns. However, it is up to the police to actively protect the victim. It is up to the victim to call the police when the order is violated. And it is up to the friends and family members of both parties to support the victim and help the abuser get treatment for his or her rage. It is noteworthy that the abuser who killed his estranged wife and himself in Northampton did so in front of the police station minutes following the Court hearing on the restraining order. So, while a restraining order is a necessary tool to help protect victims, it is only one such tool. Victims need to help themselves with counseling and support groups. Police need to be responsive to calls from potential victims. Judges need to recognize the risk for domestic violence in a myriad of situations. Society needs to support shelters for victims and treatment for abusers.

As a society, we need to recognize the impact of serious emotional abuse in relationships and take a stand that emotional and physical abuse are intolerable regardless of the gender of the victim. On the brink of a new millennium, I advocate for increased awareness and shared values that will result in a significant decrease in domestic violence.