While the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is
still in limbo, another fresh batch of stupidity was cooked up by Rep. Mark Warden (R-NH) who was discussing a proposed bill that would, in some cases, change the penalty for assault from a misdemeanor to a violation-level offense. While discussing the impact this would have on domestic violence cases, Warden
declared that "a lot of people like being in abusive relationships." He went on to say that "more government" is not a solution to abusive relationships because people are always "free to leave." This is absolutely breathtaking. A relationship marred by domestic abuse is in no way like mere bickering between a couple. Such a relationship is usually characterized by one partner (usually the male) exerting such control over the other partner that she can no longer have a life of her own. The abuser uses violence, threats of violence and other methods to control his partner, often making her too terrified to attempt leaving the relationship or going to the authorities. Additionally, violence in a relationship often works in a
cyclical pattern, in which the abuser is violent and then moves to a "honeymoon phase" wherein the abuser acts kind and caring. The woman then may take this as a sign the abuse is over and recommits to the relationship only for this phase to terminate and violence to begin once again. Adding finances and children to the mix (which is often the case) and things are even more complicated, and it may be even more difficult for a battered partner to leave. This, of course, is radically different from this Teabagger's description of women
liking abuse.
And as a final thought, why does it always seem to be
Republicans who say batshit things about women?