Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness makes this month just as meaningful as Breast Cancer Awareness. I am inclined to believe it has touched every person in some way at some point in their life where someone knows a person affected. The thing about abuse is many behaviors constitute harm that victims are not aware of. It can range from physical to mental to emotional to financial and it goes on. There are subtle ways perpetrators assault their victims, so it is less detected. If you have to ask yourself if what you experienced was abuse, it more than likely was.

In fact, some abusers have the playbook on how to camouflage their actions so that authorities have a harder time protecting victims. Without enough resources or education, it unfortunately goes on longer than it should. However, “what is done in the dark will come to light” …eventually. Luke 12:2-3. There are hotlines and non-profit, Domestic Violence organizations that help victims get the assistance they need. Department of Social Services and Family Services Leagues are also good resources.

Things parents can do when raising children is teach them better coping mechanisms and interpersonal skills when dealing with unpleasant emotions. Holding offspring accountable when they display aggression and correcting their behavior right away aids in preventing them from growing up to be harmful to the people they know. Children should also be raised to identify aggressive behavior in others, so they make better choices with the relationships they form with other people and when they start dating.

All family members and friends should report abusive behavior despite their relationship with a perpetrator. Everyone should feel safe within their environment. Those who deliberately cause others to feel unsafe need to get help. It is similarly as important for children not to witness these behaviors to in order to break the pattern of continuing for future generations. To the assaulted in any way, know you are seen, loved and have only to reach out to find support. And to the abusers, you are cowards and can hide for so long before the truth will set you free. – Dr. T