Acknowledging & Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors (Attend ‘The Vagina Monologues’)

Do you know someone who was in a domestic violence relationship? If you

answered, “yes,” then you will know exactly what we talk about in this blog post. If you

answered, “no,” then you will be learning some interesting facts while reading this blog.

In fact, if you said, “no,” I’m sure you actually do know someone who has experienced

this kind of abusive relationship and you just may not be aware of it.

Did you know 1 in 3 women (around 736 million) at some point in their lives

experience abuse (physical and/or sexual)! And, of those women, more than 85% are

from an intimate partner, not a stranger! These are normal people, a cousin, an aunt, a

mother, sister, or friend. The odds of you not knowing someone who has or is currently

dealing with this endemic are extremely low.

Most don’t talk about it and try to hide the fact they are dealing with something

they never thought they would be in. Unfortunately, it’s not as cut and dry as “just leave.”

Abusers play psychological games, tear the person down until they don’t even realize

how small they are, separating them from family and friends, and a lot of times are the

bread maker making it more difficult for them to leave especially if they have children,

etc. And, oftentimes abusers are not known to their family or friends as being abusive

because they know how to put on an act/face for others.

The emotional, psychological, and physical damage done to survivors is

indescribable. Survivors are amazing and have long roads to recovery if they are

fortunate enough to get out before it’s too late!