Speak Out: Teaching Domestic Violence in Your Literature Classroom

Every day, women around the world are devastated by violence within the four walls of their homes. This violence may be experienced by a relative, a friend, a co-worker or even a student. The question that needs to be asked and answered here is what we as teachers/educators (are doing or) can do to help increase awareness on the impacts of physical, verbal, sexual and emotional abuse. This paper will provide and discuss conceptual framework(s) that can be used using books you are already teaching in your literature classrooms. Domestic violence is a fairly sensitive issue and can be a challenging topic to teach. As such, the paper will explore strategies of teaching in the classroom and more specifically challenges that may emerge in one's class. The paper will conclude highlight the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence in the classroom.