One of My Soapboxes

One of my Soapboxes is Domestic Abuse/Violence. I hate it. I hate to hear about or read about a woman whose personality has been changed by it. The saddest thing is that the woman often doesn't even realize how subtly her very identity has been overshadowed by the other's controlling personality. It often starts with what appears to be "jealousy" and "protectiveness" but quickly escalates from that into controlling every minute of the day. And it continues to escalate.

Definition of Domestic Violence:

Victims of abuse may experience punched walls, control of finances, lying, using children to manipulate a parent's emotions, intimidation, isolation from family and friends, fear, shame, criticism, cuts, crying and afraid children, broken bones, confusion, forced sexual contact, manipulation, sexist comments, yelling, rages, craziness, harassment, neglect, shoving, screaming, jealousy and possessiveness, loss of self esteem, coercion, slammed doors, abandonment, silent treatment, rape, destruction of personal property, unwanted touching, name calling, strangling, ripping, slapping, biting, kicking, bruises, punching, stalking, scrapes, depression, sabotaging attendance at job or school, brainwashing, violence to pets, pinching, deprivation of physical and economic resources, public humiliation, broken promises, prevention of seeking medical and dental care, ridicule, restraining, self-medication, forced tickling, threats to harm family and friends, threats to take away the children, threats to harm animals, threats of being kicked out, threats of weapons, threats of being killed.

The President must not like Domestic Violence, either.

REAUTHORIZATION OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

On January 5, 2006, President Bush signed into law the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. For text of VAWA (HR3402) visit http://thomas.loc.gov and in the search box write HR 3402. It is the #5 option (there are several versions). This legislation supports and expands continued nationwide efforts to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. Passing with overwhelming support in the House and Senate, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2005 reauthorizes existing programs and creates new ones to meet emerging needs of communities working to prevent the violence.

Also, there is an Office on Violence Against Women in the US Dept. of Justice.

To learn more: DV Online Resources If you have questions about your personal situation call: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

Even if think you're safe from DV, please educate yourself. You never know when you might be able to help another person. And occasionally, that other person could be . . . you.

Auntie Coosa