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Domestic Violence*85-95 percent of domestic violence victims are female*500,000 women are stalked by intimate partners *1,232 women are killed by their intimate partners *Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women *Women are most likely to be attacked by someone they know then a stranger This is the cruel reality relating to domestic violence as reported by the American Institute of Domestic Violence. The numbers are astounding, but what is far more overwhelming is the fact that this continues to occur. How can we allow this to happen? Why won't we, as women, understand and value our right to live free from this abuse? Do we remain in these relationships out of fear or is it that we feel we do not deserve better? I ask the very questions that were once asked of me. Once upon a time, I found myself a victim of this unacceptable crime, one that went unpunished. I loved my abuser, I was young and naïve. There was a period of time that I even thought it was his way of expressing his love for me. Once I realized how very wrong I was, I then convinced myself that I must have done something to deserve this treatment. It seemed impossible to think that there was a problem with him. The laundry list of excuses and lies I told to protect his reputation could have easily covered the span of one city block and sadly, this is the vicious cycle many young women find themselves in. I wanted to highlight this very real issue to reassure anyone who might be living this nightmare: you are not alone and do not deserve to be treated in any way that causes you physical or mental harm or that is demeaning. There is help available so please do not minimize your importance any further. National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH.ORG): 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) Available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week Family Violence and Sexual Assault Virginia Hotline (VSDVALLIANCE.ORG): 1-800-838-8238 Available 24 hours a day/7 days a week Sincerely, Disclaimer: SaborHR.com does not claim that Tanya Talks is written by a psychologist or doctor of mental health. It is the result of community volunteers/members reaching out to each other. |
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