Today is the start of Domestic Violence Awareness month. The goal is to bring awareness and help end domestic violence. Understanding the basics and helping to break the cycle of abuse is greatly needed in this country and around the world.
My Story
My story started innocently and built slowly before turning violent. Seth was easy to talk to, pleasant to be around and very charming. Our first date was seven hours long because he wanted to get to know me. This should have been a warning sign as to his intentions. It gives you a glimpse of how an abusive person can wield their way into someone’s life. It would take a year and a half before my first husband would slap me. Domestic violence wasn’t something I grew up with at home. I didn’t know what it was and certainly didn’t believe it could ever happen to me. I was wrong.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence (DV) is a pattern of behavior used to control, coerce, intimidate, threaten, manipulate, and/or exert power over a current or past partner. It may take the form of physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, or financial abuse. Domestic abuse crosses all races, cultures, religions, ages, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic and educational statuses. One in three women and one in four men will experience domestic or intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The effects of domestic violence are far reaching. From schools and neighborhoods to businesses and communities, its impact and costs are felt by all of us. My hope is to encourage women and anyone else experiencing domestic abuse to get the help they need. There is hope and joy on the other side. To learn more, click here.
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