Domestic Violence Awareness Month

My dear Sisters, domestic violence is a very serious issue. One that affects us all - whether directly or indirectly. The purpose of this discussion is to bring an awareness and an outlet for us to share. Know that there are people that although we've never met, sincerely love you. There are people, myself included, that CARE about you. I pray that anyone reading this today, who is involved in an abusive relationship would consider leaving and/or seeking help. You are a daughter of God. I do not believe it to EVER be His will for your life and the lives of your children to live in harm's way. We have to realize how precious we are in the eyes of God. We have to put our children first; they need you, alive and well. To the MEN reading this, my brothers, I care about YOU as well. Hurt people, hurt people. If you are in a relationship in which you feel you have lost control - love the one you love enough to walk away - get help, and if it is meant to be, one day you can return to the relationship and BE a blessing to the woman you love. There is no shame in seeking help. It takes courage and it is admirable. If you or anyone you know has ever experienced an abusive situation, and have a story/testimony to share, anything that you feel would help another, who may be in the same place you once were, please share. You can comment below. What you have to say, just might save a life. As well, here at SistersEVOLVE we believe in the power in prayer. Please feel free to share the prayers of your heart as comments below!

WATCH & SHARE THIS VIDEO - MEN & WOMEN!
Statistics state 1 in 3 women is a victim of domestic violence... if 1 in 3 women are victims of domestic violence, then that means we are ALL impacted by it. Let's make it real to you. We have 1655 members in our Facebook Group. Let's do the math. At 1-in-3 odds...  546! of our members could have been victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives, if not right now... These women are our mothers, daughters, nieces, sisters, friends, co-workers, classmates, etc. and WE CAN NOT BRUSH THIS UNDER THE RUG. Please, I urge ALL of you to take 1 minute of your day - and watch this video clip - and then, to SHARE it. Also, if YOU or someone YOU know is involved in a violent relationship right now, please reach out, it can mean the difference between LIFE or death. {{PLEASE WATCH & SHARE}} - Powerful video!!

Domestic Violence Awareness month. ♥ Be the change you want to see! http://youtu.be/c7U__fvlf58

{Danger Assessment Survey} The following info and assessment were taken from www.joinonelove.org. This assessment can be taken on behalf of yourself OR a friend/family member. Everyone deserves to be safe and healthy in their relationship, including when a relationship ends. Sometimes it can be hard to determine whether you're experiencing the typical ups and downs of relationship stress and conflict, or whether you're experiencing an abusive relationship that puts you at risk of deadly violence. This app is designed to inform you of your risk of being killed by an abusive partner or ex-partner.
http://www.joinonelove.org/library/resources/onelovelite/index.html

If YOU or someone YOU know is in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) or your local domestic violence center to talk with someone about it. Reach out and discuss your concerns and questions. It can mean the difference between LIFE & death.

Let's be informed - the following info was taken from:   http://www.thehotline.org/get-educated/what-is-domestic-violence/

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.
Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

You may be in an emotionally abusive relationship if your partner: 

• Calls you names, insults you or continually criticizes you.
• Does not trust you and acts jealous or possessive.
• Tries to isolate you from family or friends.
• Monitors where you go, who you call and who you spend time with.
• Does not want you to work.
• Controls finances or refuses to share money.
• Punishes you by withholding affection.
• Expects you to ask permission.
• Threatens to hurt you, the children, your family or your pets.
• Humiliates you in any way.

You may be in a physically abusive relationship if your partner has ever:

• Damaged property when angry (thrown objects, punched walls, kicked doors, etc.).
• Pushed, slapped, bitten, kicked or choked you.
• Abandoned you in a dangerous or unfamiliar place.
• Scared you by driving recklessly.
• Used a weapon to threaten or hurt you.
• Forced you to leave your home.
• Trapped you in your home or kept you from leaving.
• Prevented you from calling police or seeking medical attention.
• Hurt your children.
• Used physical force in sexual situations.

You may be in a sexually abusive relationship if your partner:

• Views women as objects and believes in rigid gender roles.
• Accuses you of cheating or is often jealous of your outside relationships.
• Wants you to dress in a sexual way.
• Insults you in sexual ways or calls you sexual names.
• Has ever forced or manipulated you into to having sex or performing sexual acts.
• Held you down during sex.
• Demanded sex when you were sick, tired or after beating you.
• Hurt you with weapons or objects during sex.
• Involved other people in sexual activities with you.
• Ignored your feelings regarding sex.

If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions you may be in an abusive relationship; please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) or your local domestic violence center to talk with someone about it. 

How can I help a friend or family member who is being abused?

Don’t be afraid to let him or her know that you are concerned for their safety. Help your friend or family member recognize the abuse. Tell him or her you see what is going on and that you want to help. Help them recognize that what is happening is not “normal” and that they deserve a healthy, non-violent relationship.
Acknowledge that he or she is in a very difficult and scary situation. Let your friend or family member know that the abuse is not their fault. Reassure him or her that they are not alone and that there is help and support out there.
Be supportive. Listen to your friend or family member. Remember that it may be difficult for him or her to talk about the abuse. Let him or her know that you are available to help whenever they may need it. What they need most is someone who will believe and listen to them.
Be non-judgmental. Respect your friend or family member’s decisions. There are many reasons why victims stay in abusive relationships. He or she may leave and return to the relationship many times. Do not criticize his or her decisions or try to guilt them. He or she will need your support even more during those times.
Encourage him or her to participate in activities outside of the relationship with friends and family.
If he or she ends the relationship, continue to be supportive of them. Even though the relationship was abusive, your friend or family member may still feel sad and lonely once it is over. He or she will need time to mourn the loss of the relationship and will especially need your support at that time.
Help him or her to develop a safety plan.
Encourage him or her to talk to people who can provide help and guidance. Find a local domestic violence agency that provides counseling or support groups. Offer to go with him or her to talk to family and friends. If he or she has to go to the police, court or a lawyer, offer to go along for moral support.
Remember that you cannot “rescue” him or her. Although it is difficult to see someone you care about get hurt, ultimately the person getting hurt has to be the one to decide that they want to do something about it. It’s important for you to support him or her and help them find a way to safety and peace.
If you think your friend or family member may be abusive, click here to find out more.
Please call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224 to discuss your concerns and questions. 

Let's talk [comment below]: 

> What would YOU tell your sister, if you knew she was in an abusive relationship? What would you want her to know?

> Have you or someone you know ever been a victim of domestic violence? If so, how were you able to leave/end that relationship?

> Is it EVER alright for anyone to threaten your safety and/or the safety of your children?