Aside from the jollies that October brings, what of the follies. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is this good or a bad I ask myself. A matter as serious, - and only one month of awareness, it doesn't seem right, somehow. In saying that, neither do a lot of things that go on in this crazy world we live. An awareness campaign is normally a way to alert and inform us of factors which could damage our health. This is a serious campaign and should not be granted a time period (1 month,) it needs to run for as long as it takes to stamp out domestic violence, and other cruelties involving children and animals. Do, victims of domestic abuse not suffer all year round.
There are support groups who endlessly fight the cause to increase awareness for women who are (or suspect they may be) in abusive relationships (men also.) If you feel you would like to help or be "HELPED." contact Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline - FREE on 0800 027 1234. Help centers are normally operated voluntarily so if you wish to contribute, all donations warmly welcomed.
How did domestic violence awareness month first come about?
Awareness month evolved from the first day of unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition against Domestic Violence. The purpose was to bond battered women's advocates across the country that worked to end violence against women and their families. The day of unity soon became a special week when a range of activities were conducted at the local, state, and national levels.
These activities were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had common themes: sadly, mourning the death of those who died through an act of domestic violence, or praising the lord for those who survived, and connecting those who work to end violence. Most people involved with the cause (domestic violence) are people who themselves may have suffered pain by the hands of an abuser but luckily survived. Unfortunately some cases of domestic abuse cannot see the wrong in getting kicked in the head, having their nose broken, or being mentally abused. Psychological abuse can at times be even more destroying than physical abuse. Loss of self-esteem, and being made to believe you are 'worthless' make it difficult to think about getting help. No one is worthless, get help.
The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed In October 1987 - the same time the first national toll-free hotline started. In 1989 the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress. Such legislation has passed every year since with NCADV providing key leadership in this effort.
If you`re in an abusive relationship and looking for help, thankfully, because it is a major issue, more things are getting done to protect victims. There was time when help was scarce and the law not solid in bringing abusers to justice, however this has changed, and if you be the abuser, beware, because jail is your destination. If you're badly bruised broken boned partner comes forward to protect you - it's not happening. The next stretch you do will not be with arms to throw the punch, but a stretch in one of her majesty's prisons.
Domestic abuse is a regular issue of concern. Twenty percent of people in America tied in wedlock show abuse through actions of pushing, punching and hitting, leading to serious assault. Domestic violence normally derives from light bossiness, gentle shoving and pushing, turning into day to day forceful bullying.
How can I get help if I am in an abusive relationship? Domestic violence is a crime; your first priority should be to protect yourself and your children. Call 999 for an emergency police unit to call out and protect you from any physical harm. Women often stay in violent relationships because they believe they cannot make it without their partners, codswollop, you can and will, without the fear of when the next beating will happen. Abused men should not feel any less of a man, and come forward
In Britain a quarter of reported violent crimes are domestic. In America the approximate number ranges from 960,000 incidents of violence against a present or former partner to four million annually. The Department of Justice reports a man is beaten every 37.8 seconds in America. Alarmingly the number for women are every 20.9 seconds, come on ladies let us not add to this. I know it is all well and good for the outsider to say "get out before it's too late" and in many cases this has been the case, proof shows in mortuary submissions. Not always is everyone ever right when opinionating, but when domestic violence is the concern, the outsiders advice is 100% right
A leopard never changes its spots; keep this in mind when making decisions about your future. You cannot stop violence and abuse - only your partner can do that. Nevertheless you can do things to increase your own and your children's safety. Prepare for leaving, no buts it has to be done if you want to live till pension age.
It is in your best interest to have a plan of escape. Helpful hints below.
- Keep vital telephone numbers close to hand e.g. battered wives support group, police, doctor, social work department and school teacher.
- Have your going away money put aside. If possible put a little cash by each week. This will help with travel costs for escaping, because that is what is, - "liberation."Keep loose change for making telephone calls.
- Teach your children to call 999 in an emergency.
- It is imperative to have an escape route to practice, this will help avoid any slip ups on the initial going should an incident give you reason to flee.
- Pack a small case of necessary clothing and hide it somewhere safe.
- Know the whereabouts of the nearest local telephone box. The mobile phone has saved many lives. It may save yours if you have it on your personal.
- If you suspect an assault - retreat to a safe room in the home if possible. Places like the garage and kitchen are full of killing machines (knives and sharp tools) if you don't have time to connect to the police via the phone - smash a window to alert neighbors.
Celebrity Voices against Violence
- Harrison Ford
- Susan Sarandon
- Erin Gray
- Joan van Ark
- Loni Anderson
- Sharon Lawrence
- Kevin Bacon
- Andrea Thompson
Of course this list for the anti is vastly great therefore difficult to list everyone. However more can be found on this by going online. You can help awareness campaigns by making donations or run a fund raising event like, running a marathon or being shaved bald - the options of money raising is endless.
National Domestic Violence Helpline
A national 24 hour helpline provides access to advice and support to women experiencing domestic violence. Free phone helpline number is 0808 200 0247.
National Centre for Domestic Violence
Suite 129
456 - 458 Strand
London
WC2R ODZ - Tel: 0800 970 2070
You deserve more - and that more is called having a life, instead of living under threat of having it taken. No one has the right to put you in an early grave. Get help today and start living life to the full.
