By Cassandra R. McKibben
October brings in the crisp and cool, autumn mornings, the smell of pumpkin spice, and the color pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness. But did you know October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month? Domestic Violence is a problem that plagues many homes across America. The awareness puts a face to domestic violence and gives a voice to its silent victims. Where does the violence begin? Who are the victims? How can you help end this problem that may be right, next door or even in your own home? As women we must protect ourselves from violent and unsafe environments, and also our children, if any are involved. We also have to learn to make right choices when choosing our partners, boyfriends and husbands.
October brings in the crisp and cool, autumn mornings, the smell of pumpkin spice, and the color pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness. But did you know October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month? Domestic Violence is a problem that plagues many homes across America. The awareness puts a face to domestic violence and gives a voice to its silent victims. Where does the violence begin? Who are the victims? How can you help end this problem that may be right, next door or even in your own home? As women we must protect ourselves from violent and unsafe environments, and also our children, if any are involved. We also have to learn to make right choices when choosing our partners, boyfriends and husbands.
Many factors attribute to why some women find themselves in violent situations:
1) Low Self Esteem may cause some women to become involved in violent relationships. Feelings of unworthiness, and not loving themselves can result into dependency on their partner or spouse.
2) Financial Stability and Security plays a part in staying in situations that we should not. Some women tend to feel that they have nowhere to go or cannot afford to be on their own.
3) Patterns and “Generational Curses” are common explanations as to why some women stay in relationships that are violent. These women may have seen abuse in the home growing up and equates the act of violence with “love”. These women tend to continue choosing men patterned after the men they grew up seeing and think the treatment they receive is natural.
4) Fear is a tactic that the abuser uses to keep women in these relationships. They threaten their lives and sometimes the lives of their children and family.
5) Thinking they can change their abuser is hauntingly another reason that women stay. Not only do they love their partner but think that one day they may change or influence them to change.
What can you do if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship?
Get Out – contact your local Domestic Violence advocacy hotline. They will be able to direct you a local shelter or assist in you removing yourself and your children from the home.
Reach Out – tell someone, whether it’s a friend or family member. Don’t be afraid to reach out. It will begin the process of seeking help and getting out of the relationship.
Seek Help – after removing yourself from the unsafe environment, receive some form of help via counseling or therapy. Counseling can help you emotionally deal with the abuse and could help prevent in you making bad choices in the future.
Help bring awareness to Domestic Violence. Give a voice to the abused and silence the abusers.
For more info:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
www.ncadv.org
1) Low Self Esteem may cause some women to become involved in violent relationships. Feelings of unworthiness, and not loving themselves can result into dependency on their partner or spouse.
2) Financial Stability and Security plays a part in staying in situations that we should not. Some women tend to feel that they have nowhere to go or cannot afford to be on their own.
3) Patterns and “Generational Curses” are common explanations as to why some women stay in relationships that are violent. These women may have seen abuse in the home growing up and equates the act of violence with “love”. These women tend to continue choosing men patterned after the men they grew up seeing and think the treatment they receive is natural.
4) Fear is a tactic that the abuser uses to keep women in these relationships. They threaten their lives and sometimes the lives of their children and family.
5) Thinking they can change their abuser is hauntingly another reason that women stay. Not only do they love their partner but think that one day they may change or influence them to change.
What can you do if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship?
Get Out – contact your local Domestic Violence advocacy hotline. They will be able to direct you a local shelter or assist in you removing yourself and your children from the home.
Reach Out – tell someone, whether it’s a friend or family member. Don’t be afraid to reach out. It will begin the process of seeking help and getting out of the relationship.
Seek Help – after removing yourself from the unsafe environment, receive some form of help via counseling or therapy. Counseling can help you emotionally deal with the abuse and could help prevent in you making bad choices in the future.
Help bring awareness to Domestic Violence. Give a voice to the abused and silence the abusers.
For more info:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
www.ncadv.org
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