Are you a victim of domestic violence? By: Carol Salazar

Research In 2011 there were 101 domestic violence related deaths in Arizona. Research shows one in four women are affected in their lifetime Domestic Violence strikes more than 145 times each hour in the United States. Women ages 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence.

Research (cont.) Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes. Without help, girls who witness domestic violence are more vulnerable to abuse as teens and adults. Without help, boys who witness domestic violence are far more likely to become abusers of their partners and/or children as adults, thus continuing the cycle of violence in the next generation”.

AWARENESS Most domestic violence incidents are never reported! There needs to be more awareness to recognize whether someone is susceptible to domestic violence. Just because he is not bruising you, doesn’t mean he is not abusing you.

Significant and powerful message. Encourage women to speak up if they are victims of domestic violence or suspect of someone they know may be. http://cathywmeyer.com/2012/10/03/infidelity-and-its-relationship-to-domestic-abuse/

Beaten victim of domestic violence. Establishing fear, the abuser watches crossing his arms making sure the victims stays intimidated in order for him to maintain power. http://www.national-awareness-days.com/domestic-violence-awareness-month.html

There is help, there is hope “Sojourner Center is one of the largest domestic violence shelters the United States. As a direct result of its capacity, Sojourner Center is able to serve over 2,900 women and children annually”. Sojourner Center was founded in 1977 when it provided temporary home for women who had recently been released from prison. The program later focused mainly on domestic violence victims always keeping their vision; to help women help themselves. I support this cause, and especially this center. Through support, education, career training and daycare, these women are provided the tools to become dependent in the outside world. There are many ways to help support and volunteer for this great cause. There is donation center where clothing, shoes, furniture are welcome and provided to the women who make the transition preparing to be independent, there is also a daycare center, volunteers are welcome to watch over children as their mothers attend classes in the center preparing them for a career.

Resources: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2012/06/06/20 120606domestic-violence-main.html http://www.ywca.org/site/c.cuIRJ7NTKrLaG/b.7798013/k .C76/October_Domestic_Violence_Awareness_Month.htm http://www.clicktoempower.org/domestic-violence- facts.aspx http://www.safehorizon.org/index/what-we-do- 2/domestic-violence--abuse-53/domestic-violence-the- facts-195.html?gclid=CPnS9u-HmLQCFelFMgod_nQAAg http://www.sojournercenter.org/go2/index.php