Brianna Mills

Professor Whitner

English 102, Section 018

31 January 2022

Domestic Violence Victims

Domestic violence victims typically do not understand they are being abused,
which questions why domestic violence victims will not leave? Throughout this Ted
Talk, illustrated by Leslie Morgan Steiner, she talks about the lifestyle domestic
violence victims live and how their abusers treat them. Steiner begins to share her
story of being a victim of domestic violence. She shares insight about the motives and
initiatives that abusers take to isolate and begin the process of controlling their
victims.

Steiner mainly uses the rhetorical appeal pathos, but in some points during the
Ted Talk she includes logos to support her statements. In my opinion, Steiner’s
purpose of this Ted Talk is to connect with the audience by sharing her experience. As
she states “I’m just one woman with a story to tell.” She continues her discussion
stating how a domestic violence victim can be anyone, “all races, all religions, all
income and educational levels.” Later, after she was able to leave her domestic
violence situation, Steiner was able to pick up on a few of the signs about her abuser.
One sign she mentioned was his desire for isolation. Many victims are not aware of
the warning signs or patterns of their abuser. Being unable to see the warnings can
drag a victim into a dark hole they do not know they are entering. She said “I had no idea I
was falling into crazy love, that I was walking headfirst into a carefully laid physical,
financial and psychological trap.”

The next sign she discussed is introducing violent behavior to see how
the victim reacts. Her first sign of abuse came five days before their wedding day. Her
abuser choked her to the point where she had no ability to scream or breathe.
Although she was attacked, she continued to marry him. For the next two and a half
years, she would be abused once or twice a week. The feeling of being alone grew, it
was as if she was the only woman going through these abusive problems, but she then
says “One in three American women experiences domestic violence or stalking at
some point in her life…” She talks about how although he did many violent and life
threatening things to her, she did not believe she was a victim. She believed, as she
states “...I was a very strong woman in love with a deeply troubled man..” As she
explains her blindness to the reality of her lifestyle; at that moment, it answers the
question,“Why do domestic violence victims not leave?”

In her final point, she talks about the victim gathering the courage to leave the
abusive relationship. At this time, the abuser will usually try to kill the victim. She
states that “Over 70 percent of domestic violence murders happen after the victim has
ended the relationship, after she's gotten out, because then the abuser has nothing
left to lose.” Steiner remembers a beating that affected her so much so, it forced her
to break through the denial. After leaving, she became a voice for herself and others,
by telling her story to any and everyone including, “...the police, my neighbors, my
friends and family, total strangers, and I'm here today because you all helped me.”
Steiner makes a great point on how breaking her silence allows her to help others who
may be victims.

I think the impact of this speech was to express to other victims that there is a
way to get out and showcase their voice. Steiner touches on the main topic of
explaining why domestic violence victims may feel trapped. By telling her experience,
it connects through to the rhetorical appeal of pathos, by making the emotional
connection with the audience and other victims of abuse. Using the logo's appeal
shows she did research on her topic to make the connection with the audience. I feel as
though this piece is mainly geared to domestic violence victims but it connects all
types of victims to any abuse. The source I chose is important in my point of view
because Ted Talks allow an audience to come enjoy the knowledge and perspective of
many creative writers and inspirational speakers.

Cited Sources

- ​Why domestic violence victims don't leave. (2013). Leslie Morgan Steiner: Why
domestic violence victims don't leave | TED Talk. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from
https://www.ted.com/talks/leslie_morgan_steiner_why_domestic_violence
_victims_don_t_leave/transcript.