SAFETY ALERT: If you are in danger call 911. Or reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TIY 1-800-787-3224. Please review these safety tips.
Right up front, let’s establish that I have a long-running reputation as “Merry Sunshine” with a pair of rose-colored glasses permanently affixed to my face. So, if you read this article and feel I whizzed in your corn flakes, please bear in mind it’s a lot like broccoli. You may not like it, but it30
Since my book, ORANGE BLOSSOM WISHES: Child Molested, Woman Abused – Her Victorious Journey to Freedom was released in 2008, wonder upon wonder, opportunity upon opportunity and blessing upon blessing have taken place. None of these could have transpired without the encouragement, support and work on the part of others to help make the things30
The past three days have been quite rewarding and enlightening on my journey to bring awareness to the areas of domestic/intimate partner violence, child sex abuse and sexual assault. I decided to take three vacation days and make this Memorial Day weekend a mini-working vacation sort of blend. But, oh, the places I’ve seen. Wednesday30
In a very few months I have seen two news stories involving battered women who refused to press charges or give a statement against their abuser. Both incidents ended with the report of at least one death. In both circumstances, the law enforcement officer asking the victim if she cared to file a report or30
Domestic violence is no respecter of person or religion. You see, when it comes to abuse, it happens every day in the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Catholic or Hindu home. It also occurs daily in the homes of agnostics and atheists. I suppose you could say domestic/intimate partner violence is an interfaith issue. So, what do30
If you are a victim of domestic/intimate partner violence, do not take this as encouragement to stay in an abusive relationship. While also for victims, this post is especially aimed at all the family members, friends and coworkers of victims of abuse. I hope victims and those who interact with victims will post a comment30
Many are mistaken to think there are no free services available, but nothing is further from the truth. You can get counseling, group sessions, housing, clothing, assistance with utilities, relocation assistance, if you just work a little to find an organization that can help. Begin with the Family Justice Center (again, on the Victim Support Page). Some shelters provide safety deposit boxes, post office boxes and even voice mail boxes (Verizon is one corporation that assists with this effort). Some shelters even take pets!
Statistics tell us that 1 out of 3 women will become or has been in the past a victim of domestic violence. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Share this information with your friends, or if YOU are that 1 woman, put it to good use.