October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Do You Know Why & How You Can Help?

Posted on Oct 4, 2018 | 0 comments

Domestic Violence has been occurring worldwide for as long as anyone can remember. It is that nasty, embarrassing topic that no one wants to talk about or acknowledge, leaving victims to feel alone, afraid and helpless.

Enter the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, powered by strong survivors and domestic violence victim advocates.

The History of The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

They were founded by survivors in 1978 during the US Commission on Civil Rights. Two women specifically paved the way, Betsy Warrior and Valle Jones, fighting tirelessly for battered women’s rights.

On October 1, 1981 the NCADV held the first nationally recognized Day of Unity to connect domestic violence advocates and help them to grow stronger. Today, the organization has grown to reach and help thousands and is currently listed as one of the top charity organizations in our country. And instead of just raising awareness on one day, today we take the whole month to spark conversations, to connect with others and to grow together as we strive to end domestic violence.

They are giving survivors a voice. They are giving victims help. They are saving lives.

Because there is hope. There is always a way out. Whether you are a victim or a friend of someone who is, there are things we can all be doing to help end domestic violence everyday.

How Can You Help To End Domestic Violence?

1. Educate. Learn all you can about domestic violence. There are so many resources now, here are a few that were very helpful to me:
   • National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – https://ncadv.org/
   • Find a shelter here – https://www.domesticshelters.org/
   • Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline – https://www.thehotline.org/help/
   • If you are the victim, know you are not alone. It just takes one phone call to an anonymous hotline to get some help and a strategy to get out made. If you are a friend, read, learn and be ready to listen and talk lovingly to the victim with resources on hand.
   • Share the help, pin this: 

2. Listen. Listen to your heart, listen to your gut. Whether victim or friend of, listening is your best tool for helping yourself or another.
3. Don’t be afraid. You are not alone. Domestic Violence affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men. At this point, 1 in 4 adults has either been involved or knows someone who has had some form of domestic violence experience. There is nothing to be ashamed of. And it is OK to talk about it. You may have to a few times before being comfortable enough to act upon it. Talking about it is good.
4. Get involved. Volunteer at a local shelter, collect clothes or food for your local battered women’s shelter, donate. Open the lines of communication if you fear a friend or family member is being hurt. If you hear something really bad happening, call the police or 211 for domestic violence help specifically.
5. Wear purple to raise awareness. Wearing purple or a purple ribbon helps raise awareness for domestic violence, so try it and share it around on all of your social media – you never know who will see it and how it may help!

By talking about it, by being aware of it, by working together, we can create a more peaceful world to leave to our littles. One filled with respect for each other, one where we listen and care about our neighbors and community. One that is healthy and conscious.

Together, we can make a difference, so let’s keep the conversation going.

Malibu Mama Loves Xx

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