Domestic violence knows no boundaries

THE ISSUE The problem afflicts people of all income levels and social strata.

Pick up any newspaper or turn on the television news on any day of the week and there probably will be at least one report of domestic violence, of men and women whose quarrels escalate into public incidents that end in injury or death.

But more often than not, physical and mental abuse take place behind closed doors, and the victims and assailants aren't limited to the stereotype of uneducated, alcoholic, poor and drug-addicted individuals who succumb to the pressures of their unfortunate lives.

They might just as likely be well-to-do, well-educated people who suffer in secret, too ashamed and afraid to seek help, checked by societal expectations that conform to their status in the community.

They are the emphasis of a new campaign that acknowledges economic standing has little to do with the power an abusive person can have over a family, and the fundamental damage inflicted on children.

That some of Hawaii's prominent citizens are candidly sharing their experiences in a new DVD, "Hiding in Plain Sight," can open doors and motivate victims -- mostly women, but some men as well -- to escape.

Calendars are filled with designations for various causes, and October -- Domestic Violence Awareness Month -- is no different. Nonetheless, domestic violence is a painfully enduring problem, and calling attention to it is worthwhile if people caught in its web can find help.