Domestic Violence Awareness
Approximately every 9 seconds, there's a woman being abused or assaulted. Domestic violence is the number one cause of injury to women. There are more women being injured from domestic violence than women who are injured in car accidents, robberies, and rapes combined. It is estimated that 1/4 of women across the world will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
Domestic violence is defined as the violent abuse of a spouse or partner. The Hotline describes domestic violence as behaviors that "physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want. It includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation". Typically, violent and abusive behaviors do not appear right away, but will emerge as the relationship grows. For a more detailed list on warning signs, check out this post on The Hotline.
People choose to stay in abusive situations for many reasons, including: being afraid of what will happen to them if they leave, not having the adequate resources, or because they genuinely feel like they can change their abusive partner. If you know someone who's being abused, the best thing you can do is be there to support them. Remind them of what they deserve and CAN have outside of their relationship, and let them know that you are willing to help them secure the resources that they need.
What about the children? Studies have shown that 3-4 million children are at risk for being exposed to domestic violence. Witness violence, especially violence between your parents, can have everlasting effects on children. Many children have watched one of their parents die at the hands of the other parent. On November 9, 2015, Dominique Thibodeaux Carter was murdered by her ex-husband while their 2 year-old daughter sat in the car. What About Us Children is a non-profit that was created to tell Dominique and Audrey's story and to help spread awareness for women and children victims of domestic violence. Please visit their site to learn more about how you can help and for upcoming events - https://www.whataboutuschildren.com/
If you are needing to speak to someone or would like to get help for a friend or relative, use the resources below -
- National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224
- https://www.domesticshelters.org/
- https://www.dosomething.org/
- http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/