A woman from the Utah Domestic Violence Council did a presentation in my Marriage & Family Relations class today. She gave us some fantastic information, and I think the best thing we can do for each other as a community is to pass this information on.
Wherever you're from, there are domestic violence advocates' programs set up in your area to help you. Here's a national website you can use, if you aren't from Utah like me!
http://www.thehotline.org/ Or you can call: 1.800.799.SAFE
If you DO live in Utah, here's a local website where you can find help for yourself or someone you know who needs it:
Every 15 seconds in the U.S. a woman is battered. And no one even knows how many men are being abused, because so few of them are willing to talk about it.
No one deserves to be abused, and physical abuse is not the only kind that is classified as domestic violence. If you know anyone who is being hurt, it is a matter of mandatory reporting for you to let an authority know. Most of all, if he or she is confiding in you, LISTEN! Show them you believe them and you care, no matter how many times they seem to ignore your advice. It takes an average of 8 TIMES for a woman (or man) to leave an abusive relationship for good, so be patient. You never know when you are the only person someone can go to for help.
Just one last thought to add... if you haven't actually experienced abuse, but choose to claim that you have for purposes of attention, selfishness, getting back at someone, or some other reason, you are making the world of getting help harder every day for the women who actually need it.
4 comments:
Amen!
It is so completely true. Wouldn't you agree, that schools and churches could teach more about getting help? In my opinion, it would save so many children, wives and husbands from so many years of damage. Both mentally and physically. Not only that, but friends and other family could recognize much easier and could better help the victim when they know what to look for and how to help & support. Anyways, good post! I agree!
-- Bex
Absolutely! I completely agree with you. I don't understand why there hasn't been more of this in schools. Good to hear from you again! :)
The problem is that so many people are not only willing but anxious to look the other way. It's an uncomfortable subject in general, but it's particularly difficult for the family and friends of the abusER.
It's easy for those loyal to the abusED to be outraged and say or do something.
It's hard for most people to get past that point of realizing that they would have to do something VERY difficult. So much easier to pretend it isn't happening.
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