As many of you know, I am a registered nurse. I see and have seen many atrocities in my line of work. Many of which include domestic abuse toward women.
Domestic Violence affects all socio-economic and religious sectors of life. It comes in several forms, one of which includes mental abuse. Too many times young women are verbally and mentally attacked by their boyfriends, partners, and husbands without realizing that they are abused. This acts to make the man/partner feel superior and in control. At the same time it creates self-doubt, low self-esteem, and dependency of the woman on that man/partner, as the only person who could ever love or want her. This continues to the point where the woman is usually isolated from her friends and loved ones, people who can help her.
Physical abuse - Statistics show that if your boyfriend, partner, or husband hits you once, they WILL hit you again. Don't think you can change them just by being exactly what HE/SHE needs you to be. They are the one, who is the problem, not you. Something in their environment acts as a trigger to their loss of control. At that point they take their frustrations and anger out on their partner/wife and eventually any children, who are in the household, too.
Sexual abuse - It is YOUR body whether she/he's dating you, living with you, or married to you. You have a right to decide not only what type of sexual acts you want to participate in, and who has the privilege of sharing your body, but also when. If you say 'no', it means NO! Know your rights. Most cases of rape are committed by boyfriends, partners, husbands, and friends - People you trust.
No one has the right to abuse you mentally, physically, sexually or emotionally.
Please take a minute and check out some of these worthwhile projects listed below and become educated in what causes domestic abuse and how it can be stopped. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, only YOU can help yourself!
If you decide that you've had enough, YOU need to act now! Here are some people who can assist you:
World Wide Pagan Network
Women Against Domestic Violence
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
202-638-6388
24 hr. Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Family Violence Prevention Fund
SAFE START PROJECT A Call for Donations for Domestic Violence Survivors Sisters in Strength, a young women's empowerment group for high school girls, is organizing the Safe Start Project during the month of March to collect donations of basic necessities for women and children living in domestic violence and homeless shelters. We ask that you donate new, unopened toiletries (Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner, Deodorant, Toothpaste & Toothbrushes, Makeup, Shaving cream and Razors, Lotion, Tampons/Sanitary Pads, Hair products & Accessories, Face & Body wash, Toilet paper) and, on April 6th, Sisters in Strength will distribute the collected items to the shelters. Where Donations Can be Made in Brooklyn * JHS 126 (424 Leonard Street) * Automotive High School (50 Bedford Avenue) * PS 243 (1580 Dean Street) * PS 84 (250 Berry Street) * Conselyea Prep School (320 Manhattan Avenue) * PS 19 (325 S. 3rd Street) * PS 368 (70 Tompkins Avenue) * Girls for Gender Equity (1360 Fulton Street, Suite 314) Questions? Want to host a donation box? Contact us at 718-857-1393