The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. So all month I will shared facts on my community page on Facebook Unhindered Blessings. If you aren’t a part of that community, please join it. Not only is that page about encouragement and motivation but it addresses the issues faced by women in today’s society.
Domestic Violence is defined as abuse suffered by a person that shares an intimate or family relationship with their abuser. It is where a person uses random and habitual acts of intimidation to control someone else. This is usually done repeatedly and becomes more and more sever over time.
Domestic Violence affects individuals from all walks of life. It does not discriminate. You can be black, white, rich, poor, young or old. You can be gay or straight. You could have grown up with both parents or in an orphanage, it really doesn’t matter. Anyone forced to change the way they act out of fear of upsetting someone else is usually in an abusive situation.
One of the hardest things in the world is to see someone you love being a victim of anything but abuse from someone they care about is extra hard. The other is to be a living through abuse and feeling that no one understands or cares. Well I’ve been in both situations. And yes it sucks!!!!
If you have a loved one in an abusive relationship, the best thing you can do for them is to be encouraging and non-judgmental. They are receiving enough of judgment and harrassment from their abuser. You also don’t want to give them a reason to isolate themselves from you. Listen to them but allow them to make their own choices. Be supportive but don’t be opinionated. It’s their life!!!
If you feel you are being abused or you are experiencing domestic violence, remember
- You are NOT to blame.
- You do NOT deserve to be mistreated.
- You are NOT alone.
- You have rights.
- There is help out there for you.
How do you get out?
Find someone you trust and tell them what is going on. I know it may be hard. You may feel embarrassed. You have been told that no one cares and that no one will believe you. You may have even tried to tell someone before and they didn’t believe you. Tell someone else!! Trust me the situation is not going to get better until you separate yourself from it.
If you feel your life is in jeopardy if you leave or tell someone, I understand that can be scary. But realize that you have to fight for yourself. That don’t always mean physically fight. You have to fight for your sanity and what you want. You can do this. I believe in you. No one deserves to be mistreated. No one deserves to be abused. No one deserves to be called names. No one deserves to feel less than. NO ONE!!!
Be wise. Make good choices. But remember you have choices. No one can take your choice away without you giving it to them. Here are some helpful resources:
- The National Domestic Violence Helpline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Resources for Battered or Abused Women
- You can always email me hinderedblessings@gmail.com.
Until Next Time,
Tina
