Domestic Violence Awareness

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. A few years ago I posted a poem I had written about an abusive relationship I had been in as a teenager. You can find that poem here. As I got older and learn more and more about abuse, I realized that I have actually been in more than one abusive relationship. I've become acutely aware how little information people have about how to identify abuse and what exactly is considered abuse. Many people are mentally, verbally, emotionally, sexually, and even spiritually abused and either don't know it or are afraid to say so because it might not be taken seriously. Some people believe it is only abuse if it

is physical or if it full blown rape.

I wanted to post some links that have very helpful information.

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm
http://www.hiddenhurt.co.uk/- This site has a lot of personal stories as well as good information.

Because of my past and because this month is Domestic Violence Awareness month, I ordered the Empowerment Circle of Support necklace from Avon.

Here's some links to more information about the necklace and the program.
http://www.avoncompany.com/corporatecitizenship/circle-of-support-necklace.html
http://www.avonfoundation.org/causes/domestic-violence/
http://media.avoncompany.com/index.php?s=10922&item=122975

Do something to support survivors of domestic violence and programs making attempts to end it. Also educate yourself and your loved ones. When I was being abused no one around me understood or took what I was going through seriously. It was a very lonely place to be and the lack of support made it even harder to get out. 1 in 3 women experiences violence so for your own sake and for the sake of the people you care about, educate yourself. Everyone is a potential victim.