- April 25, 2024
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This was initiated in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country.
Domestic violence affects millions -- both women and men -- of every race, religion, culture and status. It’s not just punches and black eyes; it’s yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation. It’s stealing a paycheck, keeping tabs online, non-stop texting, constant use the silent treatment, or calling someone "stupid" so often they believe it.
Since the Violence Against Women Act passed in 1994, we’ve come a long way. This landmark legislation, led by then Senator Joe Biden, combined new provisions that hold offenders accountable and provide programs and services for victims. Between 1993 and 2010, the overall rate of domestic violence dropped nearly two-thirds and state laws have reformed to address issues such as dating abuse in the workplace, stalking, employment discrimination and more.
On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States which equates to more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year. (Source: https://www.thehotline.org/resources/statistics)
Over the next five weeks we are going to be sharing survivor stories. We'll be hearing how previous experiences have shaped some incredible women into the moms and business owners they are today. Will the stories be easy to read? Not always; however this is an important topic that needs to be discussed. I look forward to sharing resources and stories of survival! Although the world may seem dark at times, there is a light that will shine again.
Below are a few resources:
In an emergency - 911
National Domestic Abuse Hotline - 1-800-799-7233
Family Life Center (Flagler) - 386-437-7747
Online resources:
BreakTheCycle.org
Local places to go:
Family Life Center
4721 E Moody Blvd, Suite 503
Bunnell
If you're currently experiencing anything like this, know that you don't need to go through it alone -- I'm only a call or text away: 386-597-3545.
I believe you. You are worthy of love and respect. I'm here for you.
