Silent No More! - Kiss Domestic Violence Goodbye!
October is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, and most people are unaware of that fact. The media's primary focus is on Alzheimer's Disease, Heart Disease, and Breast Cancer, which are all important and need our attention. These are diseases of the body and the cures are diligently being sought along with your support. However, Domestic Violence is not a disease of the body . It is a social disease that stems from deep seated emotional instability. Like many of the physical diseases, its symptoms go undetected for long periods of time because of the intentional cloak that covers it up in shame and embarrassment. But like diseases of the body, directed attention to this issue will help us to heal our nation of its devastating impact. An acute awareness of its existence exposes it and forces us to face the reality that it is one of our most serious ills that need our attention and action.
Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It is an "Equal Opportunity Social Dysfunction". It can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. The statistics are staggering...1 out of 3 women have been physically, emotionally, and sexually abused during their lifetime. How can this be in the 21st century? We have the knowledge, power, and influence to provoke change in our laws and the response mechanisms by law enforcement agencies. Let's start today by understanding some of the Red Flags of an abusive partner.
Here are some signs that you, or someone you know may be in an emotionally abusive relationship. If the abuser:
- Calls you names, insults you or continually criticizes you.
- Does not trust you and acts jealous or possessive.
- Tries to isolate you from family or friends.
- Monitors where you go, who you call and who you spend time with.
- Does not want you to work.
- Controls finances or refuses to share money.
- Punishes you by withholding affection.
- Expects you to ask permission.
- Threatens to hurt you, the children, your family or your pets.
- Humiliates you in any way.
Here are some signs you, or someone you know may be in a physically abusive relationship. If the abuser:
- Damages property when angry (thrown objects, punched walls, kicked doors, etc.).
- Pushes, slaps, bites, kicks or chokes you.
- Abandons you in a dangerous or unfamiliar place.
- Scares you by driving recklessly.
- Uses a weapon to threaten or hurt you.
- Forces you to leave your home.
- Traps you in your home or keeps you from leaving.
- Prevents you from calling police or seeking medical attention.
- Hurts your children.
- Uses physical force in sexual situations.
Here are some signs that you, or someone you know may be in a sexually abusive relationship. If the abuser:
- Views women as objects and believes in rigid gender roles.
- Accuses you of cheating or is often jealous of your outside relationships.
- Wants you to dress in a sexual way.
- Insults you in sexual ways or calls you sexual names.
- Has ever forced or manipulated you into to having sex or performing sexual acts.
- Held you down during sex.
- Demanded sex when you were sick, tired or after beating you.
- Hurt you with weapons or objects during sex.
- Involved other people in sexual activities with you.
- Ignored your feelings regarding sex.
These are just some of the RED FLAGS that warrant your attention. For women already in an abusive relationship, there are agencies that can help you while protecting your anonymity. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline to consult confidentially about your situation.
Take an active role by partnering with agencies in your community to help STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN! Speak out about it and show your support by making donations, educating, and empowering other women with this information.
Kim Harris, published author, inspirational speaker, and talk show host of Dialogues w/Kim, delivers an empowering message of possibility living in her new book, a few choice words...Affirming Your Life, Positively!
Ms. Harris co-founded The Haven Women's Outreach, a Dallas-based nonprofit. Its mission is to empower women through education, training, and mentoring. "KISS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, GOODBYE!" by connecting and partnering with The Haven Women's Outreach
Ms. Harris is recipient of the 2005 SBA Women in Business Champion of the Year award. She conducts workshops, seminars, and web seminars on the topic of personal and professional development.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Added: September 12, 2008
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