October is Domestic Violence month and I’ll be giving time to this issue on the blog all month.
I’ll share some of the statistics I’ve learned about this issue since beginning to research it. They are staggering and may shock you – as they did me. In fact, domestic abuse rates are so high, chances are, you know someone who is currently in an abusive relationship.
But this has become a lot more than statistics and facts for me.
It is easy to think about domestic abuse in a theoretical manner when there’s no face attached to the stats.
It is easy to criticize victims for getting themselves into abusive relationships and for not leaving.
It is easy to demonize abusers and write them off as forever broken and not worth saving.
It is easy to read a statistic, feel shocked and think, “Somebody should do something about this issue!” Then, get sucked back into the routine of life.
But this month is not about easy.
It’s not about being shocked.
This month is about taking action. It’s about being the “Somebody” who is doing something about it.
I don’t want to live life theoretically. I don’t want to read a statistic and forget that there’s a person involved.
I intend –
- to speak the truth
- share the challenges
- be involved in the solution
I will be the somebody who makes the difference in my home, my church, my school, my community.
Stick with me this month, friends. I’ve invited people into my cafe who can speak authoritatively on this issue. They’ll share their thoughts, their challenges and the ways where we can join them to make our community a better, safer place.
My two requests for you are –
1. Show up. Many of you have expressed a desire to make a difference in your community. This is a great place to start.
2. Help me spread the word! Share this post with your friends via social media, email, word of mouth.
Don’t miss the conversation this month. Subscribe to the OM Cafe. I’m committed to your privacy and it’s free!
Think victims choose to be abused? A Son’s Story of Surviving Domestic Violence might change your mind.