Domestic violence thrives when we are silent

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month....domestic violence use to be  ignored or treated as a private matter where victims were left to suffer in silence without hope of intervention..not anymore. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year the first national toll-free hotline was begun.

Domestic violence remains a huge and largely hidden problem, someone is physically, sexually, psychologically or verbally abused by an intimate partner every 15 seconds. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in the United States, 1.3 million women and 830,000 men are assaulted each year by people they believe love them. It goes on in teen couples as well as in adult relationships. One study found that 1 in 5 high school girls reported being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner. 

There has been increase in  awareness of the problem. More proactive measures are being taken to identify and help victims.But there is still a long way to go. Please do your part if you are a victim or you know someone that is don't be afraid to reach out for help. Victims who need help and support to stay safe can call the national Resource Center on Domestic Violence at 800-799-7233 or visit their website

I was a victim of domestic violence I know the fear that comes along with it, but I can honestly say that once you break free  and find your own voice you will feel 100 times better. No one deserves to be abused....Domestic violence thrives when we are silent, but if we take a stand and work together, we can end domestic violence.