UnSilenced: Our Responsibility

I find it to be very disturbing that 1 in 4 women will experience Domestic Violence in their lives and yet there is still little to no personal responsibility taken by the rest of us to help. In this era of having access to quick information, being "connected" 24/7 to our friends, and super fast travel of online "support" for the myriad of "good Causes" it is a shame for us to not be just as eager to share support for the "cause" of Ending Domestic Violence.

I guess for us to properly call for an end to Domestic Violence we would first have to admit there is a problem. Hundreds of thousands of us have yet to admit that Domestic Violence IS a problem and that only adds to the problem. We decide to believe that it is not real and that it does not happen or worse yet that it does not affect ME.

Domestic Violence is real and it is happening.

As you read this a women, maybe even someone you know, is becoming a victim of Domestic Violence. In fact, a woman is beaten every 15 seconds here in the United States.
So often we ignore or choose not to understand what Domestic Violence really is. I guess that is why we have allowed this type of behavior to become so "normal". We have even begin blaming the victims by saying, "Well, if it is that bad she should just leave, " or "What did she do to deserve that,". Why are we so judgmental towards the victims for "not leaving"? As if it is the victims fault for getting beat.

We need to stand in the way of Domestic Violence and stand up for the millions of victims that dont have anyone else. Victims are many times separated and alienated from their family and friends and anyone else who should be in a position to help. That is why it is up to ALL OF US!

A few ways we can help the victims by getting the word out.
They need to know that they are not alone and that we will not stand by and watch while they are victimized over and over. We need to make every effort to research ways to get involved in our community. We can find out ways to aide in writing and enforcing stronger penalties for abusers and higher quality help for victims. We can honor the survivors who have broken the silence and encourage others to do the same.

There are many things we can do to support those affected by domestic violence but the best thing we can do is not turn our back any longer.

To immediately report abuse call the National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233

Today's Names of Texas women who were murdered by their intimate partner in 2008

Brenda Yelton, 46 Pearland d. 4-25-08
Brenda Lee Nunez, 17 Brownsville d. 02-09-08
Jaime Dawn Meyer, 41 Clay Co. d. 09-19-08
Mary Sue Doyle, 54 Altoga d. 4-22-2008
Amanda Jo Earheart-Savell, 30 Plano d. 6/05/08
Jennifer McCallum McKinney d. 04/09/08
Suanne Childress, 48 New Braunfels d. 12/30/08
Nancy Shields, 53 New Braunfels d. 7/17 08
Joy Tomerlin, New Braunfels d. 7/30/2008
Denise Banks, 59 Bangs d. 8-20-08
Norma De la Rosa, 38 Cameron Co. d. 8-11-08
Maura Marroquin, 23 Harlingen d. 1-01-08

UnSilenced: A Lesson To Our Children

Children are affected by Domestic Violence in both direct and non direct ways. Domestic Violence rarely happens in a home without a child witnessing it take place.

Each year an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to violence. Almost 50% of the men who abuse their wives also abuse their children, and male children growing up in an abusive home are more likely to become abusers when they are grown. Children exposed to any type of family violence are also at a higher risk to become addicted to drugs and alcohol.

We owe it to the next generation to help set them on the right path now. We need to become active in recognizing abuse in our homes, our communities and our workplaces. We need to break the cycle of Domestic Violence by putting an end to the abuse that has grown rampant in America.

If we won't stand up against the violence today, then what lesson are we teaching our children?

UnSilenced: What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence occurs when one person in an intimate relationship exercises power or controlling behavior against the partner through psychological, physical, verbal, or sexual abuse.

Domestic Violence is a unbiased epidemic. It knows no racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, or educational boundaries. It is impossible to consider a victim of Domestic Violence "typical". Domestic Violence happens everywhere and in every type of relationship.

While Domestic Violence can happen to anyone, including men, it is the leading cause of injury to WOMEN between the ages of 15-44 in the United States.

More women are injured by Domestic Violence in the US, than car accidents, muggings, and rapes, COMBINED.

Dating Violence or Relationship abuse happens between two individuals who are in a dating relationship.

Violent relationships start at an average age of 15.

1 in 3 teenagers will experience physical violence in their dating relationships.

40% of teen-aged girls know someone who has been abused or beaten by a boyfriend.

Physical and or sexual abuse against adolescent girls in dating relationships increases the likelihood that the girl:

• Will abuse drugs and/or alcohol
• Develop an eating disorder
• Consider and/or attempt suicide

Many times we make the mistake of justifying abuse by saying "that is just how they are", or "they always have drama". Sometimes we even find ourselves asking "why doesn't the victim just leave".

What we need to be asking is How can we help her.

It is up to all of us to help recognize, and help end Domestic Violence.

Today's Names of Texas women who were murdered by their intimate partner in 2008
Samantha Herrera, 21 San Antonio d. 10-03-08
Paula Meadows, 35 San Antonio d. 3-25-08
Francisca Mendez, 46 San Antonio d. 11-11-08
Christine Mora, 36 San Antonio - d. 1-26-08
Debbie Perez, 42 San Antonio - d. 02-21-08
Gwendolyn Robinson, 43 San Antonio - d. 09-19-08
Kimberly Tello, 18 San Antonio - d. 12-24-2008

If you are a victim of abuse, or know about abuse happening please call the

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or for other info for your state visit - http://www.ndvh.org/get-help/help-in-your-area/#T