Things to consider to doing during October Domestic Violence month:

 *Become educated on domestic violence and complexity of abuse.  The more people know how abuse works and what it’s like for victims going through it, the more prepared to identify and prevent or avoid harm they are.  Read novels like Silent Cries: A Woman’s Journey to Freedom written by a survivor that delves into the psyche of the abused person.  This will give better insight of what it is like to be the victim and the real obstacles they encounter.

*Teach victims how to develop a personal support system in their community.  When a victim has a team behind them they are more likely to succeed in safely getting out of the abuse.  (For more information on this visit www.redemptivecommunity.com)

*Become a supportive ally for victims to go to in time of need.

*Send reinforcing messages to the abuser that they are of worth, but their abusive behaviors are unacceptable.

The only way I got out of my situation alive with six young children was through community involvement and support.  There are many others who can be saved before becoming a statistic.  If we all choose to become educated and do some small steps we can prevent some of the abuse from occuring.

Posted in: Domestic Violence at 9:25 pm | Comments (1)

I just found a great online network site.  I am new to it but have already been surrounded by support.  I think it would be a great place for women to go for support and encouragement.  Women power!  Check it out www.cre8buzz.com.

Posted in: Domestic Violence at 8:41 am | Comments (0)

Many people wonder if they are in an abusive relationship or if the problems they experience are all part of normal marriage discord.  Answer these simple questions to get a better idea as to what kinds of problems you are having in your marriage.

1- Does your stomach tighten when your spouse drives up in the driveway?

2- Do you feel like you have to be careful what you say around your spouse, and that anything could set him/her off?

3- Does your spouse swear at you, throw things, or physically hurt you?

4- Do your friends like your spouse or do they comment that he/she doesn’t treat you well?

5- Is your spouse willing to talk to you openly about finances, or does he/she control what you know and what you spend?

If the answer was yes to any of the questions, serious attention needs to be placed on the dynamics of your relationship.  There is a high probability you could be in an abusive relationship.

Posted in: Domestic Violence at 1:31 pm | Comments (1)