Relationships & Domestic Violence

When you are young everything revolves around relationships...your relationship with your family, your relationships with your friends and peers, and your romantic relationships.  As we age and grow into who we are as people it is natural for the focus to be less on relationships with others and more on the relationship we have with ourselves; however, even as adults that often isn't the case. 

In our society we put a lot of emphasis on romantic love.  We watch romantic comedies, we read romance novels, and we expect love to sweep us off our feet and sometimes it does.  But what happens when we find out during our relationship that the love we thought we had is accompanied by violence? 

According to Domestic Violence Statistics every 9 seconds in the US a woman is beaten or assaulted and 1 in every 3 women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused during her lifetime. 

It is scary to me, even more so now that I have daughters, how so many women end up in situations beyond their control.  Being abused doesn't make you weak, it doesn't make you less of a person, it just means that someone you trusted has abused that trust.  Smart women, powerful women, anyone can fall victim to domestic violence. 

As a parent, we owe it to our children to try to safely remove ourselves and them from situations of violence.  Men who grow up witnessing domestic violence are twice as likely to become abusers and woman who grow up witnessing domestic violence are more likely to pick men who will abuse them. 

YOU are the example of how someone should be treated and how to treat a partner in a relationship.  YOU determine what course your children will be set upon, what path they will travel. 

If you are in a relationship that is violent, and remember violence is not just physical but also mental and emotional, then seek help when you are able.  Seek out local resources in your area such as the Domestic Abuse Shelter.  The most dangerous time for a woman in a violent relationship is when she tries to leave.  It is scary, but there are people who can help.    

The Hotline is a national domestic violence help line.  Their number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).  When you click on the link it shows you how to do a quick escape in case someone walks in while you are on their site and it will take you to an unrated site.  Please protect yourself and your children.  Your life depends on it.