10.04.2006

October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month

Tonight was the annual Domestic Abuse Candle Light Vigil and Walk in Caribou. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate--it was cold and raining hard.

Lately, I've had several conversations with friends and acquaintances about Domestic Abuse--about what makes partners stay in relationships that aren't healthy or are dangerous. I guess there is no one answer. And it seems easy to say, "I wouldn't put up with that shit," as my friend Nicole says. But when you're within the confines of a relationship it isn't always that easy to say. I've learned a lot about domestic abuse in the past nine years that I have been active with the Civil Rights Team. I think our October activities for raising awareness are some of our best efforts. Probably the biggest lesson I've learned is never to judge people who are in abusive relationships. Don't judge. Offer support and kindness.

Knowing that confronting someone who is an abuser could cause worse consequences for the abused. Keep quiet but offer support, friendship, concern and options.

The following video is from Canadian TV and it has VERY STRONG language.

1 comment:

Princess LadyBug said...

WoW! You can see more graphic abuse on TV any given night, but that video was still disturbing. Thank you.