So this is the time of year I have been involved in for several years as an advocate for a domestic violence shelter. I usually do some sort of educational training or speaking engagement…so this year I am going to blog about it. I figure, I may not work in that field anymore but it doesn’t mean that I don’t care. In fact there are several campaigns that have happened and I want to say that I am happy that they are drawing attention to a serious social issue.
Domestic violence affects approximately 1 in 4 women at some point in their lives. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) claims a life every six hours and every 15 seconds a woman is beaten or assaulted. I understand that October is also breast cancer awareness month and that is an easier topic to tackle but it is more likely to loose your life or be maimed due to IPV. I have worked in this field and focused my education around it after enduring years of abuse as a child and later emotional abuse with a partner. Through it all I have become stronger and more dedicated to helping people who are seeking to leave or educate themselves or loved ones on their rights.
There have been multiple campaigns that have come about in the last year and many are making huge strides to connect with a diverse demographic. One way that domestic violence awareness has been raised is through social media campaigns. It reaches a wider audience and connects people with very simple ways to help those who are seeking to leave or simply become more informed. Two I think are worth noting as they are connected on a national level and you too can get involved.
The first is the NOMORE.org campaign which is aimed at bringing eliminating violence (domestic and sexual) against both women and men. The idea is that the O is to represent zero number of assaults and has a growing campaign that have actors in their PSA’s. The next is the Why Not You campaign which was started by Russell Wilson, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. He has started a pass the peace campaign and really connected it with social media.
So this October while getting ready for fall and Halloween, also be a social media butterfly and # the shit out of pics or quotes that prompt peace, awareness and equality. The issue is that domestic violence knows no bounds and is perpetuated through learned and observed behavior. Break down the myths and educate yourself if you know someone who is in an abusive relationship, so that you may have the hard discussion that when I was growing up was called a family issue. Do your part for your community because I believe that if you talk about it or post anything related to DV, you could save one life, inform one person and start a chain reaction that can help other people.
Go forth… #passthepeace #nomore #domesticviolenceawareness #purpleribboncampaign
love
kt
http://www.registerstar.com/news/article_5bae38e4-525a-11e4-af7c-cbd2414fa807.html
http://www.wcspittsburgh.org/page.aspx?pid=354
http://domesticviolencestatistics.org/men-the-overlooked-victims-of-domestic-violence/
Wanderlust Katie 