Today is October 1st, the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Something I have always been acutely aware of since October of 1984. I left my abuser on my 21st Birthday (September 19th) of 1984. A lot of my memories of my time with him and leaving him are as vivid as if they had happened yesterday. Although the emotion involved has dissipated completely, it is a scar that remains to remind me there are hundreds of thousands of women and children, and in some cases men living this nightmare to this day.
During the month of October I will be sharing this story in as much entirety as I can. Maybe to shed some light on this for people who know of a loved one and friend being abused, and to let those being abused know they have choices. Their world can change! Some of you who read me here, may not see why I need to go into such vivid detail about the actual abuse, and if it is something you would rather not read, I completely understand. Suffice it to say, I feel the need to share it all, in all it’s ugly degradation.
The AZ Republic, our Newspaper here in Arizona, and a great supporter of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, has already started running stories on this. I will share some of what is being done here in AZ to help battle this disease on our society. Their first article, written by John Faherty, talks about how young people are being made aware of this major National problem.
If you have a loved one or friend who is suffering thru Domestic Violence, the first step as with anything, is to educate yourself and the victims. This month, here in Stumbling/Grace is my humble attempt, at aiding this effort.
September 29, 2005
Section: VALLEY & State
Edition: Final Chaser
Page: B1
CAMPAIGN TARGETS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
John Faherty, The Arizona Republic
Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed in October, kicked off a little early with politicians Wednesday talking about what can be done to reduce the problem and domestic violence survivors telling their stories.
This year the fight against domestic violence has moved to the high school level and even younger.
The reason to target a younger audience is, in part, the belief that the sooner you can teach people what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior, the more likely that message is to stick.
Another reason is that domestic violence often starts in high school. The Journal of the American Medical Association recently found that one in five high school age girls reported being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.
A skit, performed by students involved in the group Stand and Serve, demonstrated how domestic violence can turn a relationship that should be about going to prom into one of manipulation and fear.
Stand and Serve is committed to fighting all forms of violence. One of the things the students in the group do is visit middle schools to talk about violence in the home.
Jeanette Freeman is involved with the group as a student at North High School in Phoenix.
“It is not too early to talk to these young students,” Freeman said. “They see violence. They need to know what is right, what is OK.”
This year’s campaign is called “Domestic Violence: Do You See It?” The name reflects the mission of educating people about the signs of abuse.
“If we can help people recognize some of the early warning signs of potentially abusive behavior, maybe we can help prevent physical violence,” said Phil Westbrooks, vice mayor of Chandler and the Maricopa Association of Government’s domestic violence chairman.
The idea is to look for subtle changes in behavior before you are looking at bruises and broken bones.
Those signs can include a boyfriend who seems a little too possessive or a young woman whose grades fall or who becomes withdrawn. A relationship where one person frequently insults his or her spouse or partner can be more than just rude, it can be dangerous.
Do you see it?
Things to look for that may indicate domestic violence or the possibility of domestic violence.
* Are people you know in a relationship in which they are insulted in public by a partner?
* Are they isolated from their friends and family?
* Has their behavior changed? Are they unusually quiet?
* Has their performance at work or school suffered?
* Do they show signs of physical abuse such as bruises or cuts?
* Is there abuse of drugs or alcohol?
Maricopa Association of Governments
Reach the reporter at . or (602) 444-4803.
Close it Up
October--Domestic Violence Awareness Month
