One thing I find special about DVAPM is how many survivors come forward, proud and strong as ever. They come forward to be the voices for the victims that are silenced either temporarily or permanently. This is the most beautiful gift of awareness; being able to come together as a strong force of power and vigilance to end this hurt that happens to far too many people. So I want to take the time today to applaud those people who stand up and say 'no' to abuse. You are not alone. You are strong. You are the future. Thank you.
Knowing there are other survivors out there is the biggest sense of security. Knowing there are people out there who understand it on a level so deep and personal can make you feel like you're a part of something bigger. Of course I wish no one would have to go through any form of abuse. But, great things can come out of horrible things. And it is the greatest pleasure knowing that there are so many dedicated, loving, understanding, strong survivors out there supporting each other and taking a stand. It connects us all, whether we know each other or not. And it creates a community of caring people. I think our society needs a community of caring people, don't you?
So I want to take the time now to recognize all of those people. Whether they make themselves known or not, they are all doing their part to say "I will do anything I can to make sure this doesn't happen to someone else." That is so powerful and takes so much strength and selflessness. Every survivor has a unique story of their experience and should all be respected and heard. I truly commend the people out there who raise awareness in any way they can; whether it is by wearing purple, sharing a Facebook status, attending an event, or simply reaching out. Every effort counts. Every effort can lead you to someone who needs you. You can be that one person who helps a friend or family member when they feel as though they have no one. You may never understand that amazing difference it will make to reach out to that person.
Remember the statistics: 1 in 4 women is abused in her lifetime. 1 in 3 teens is abused.
Chances are you know someone who has been abused or knows someone else who has. Reach out. Be their voice.
As October comes to an end, please don't feel as though your days are numbered in making a difference. You can make a difference every day. Refer to my past posts for ideas of how to raise awareness. You can do your part and stop the hurt.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month!
Hey Strangers! I have been MIA on here for quite a while, and for that I apologize. I have been way too preoccupied and have put the social networking for Stop The Hurt on high priority instead of the blog itself. However, considering it is that time of month again, I must post!
It is October which means it is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH! This is our time to shine and really take a stand against domestic abuse! This is your chance to do your part and stop the hurt. There are plenty of opportunities for you to do so! For example, if you want to help and don't know how:
- volunteer at a local DV shelter
- donate $ to a local shelter (trust me, they all need it)
- donate old clothes/cell phones/canned goods
- post on your Facebook and Twitter that it is DVAPM to raise awareness
- post facts on your social networking sites about DV
- buy merchandise where the money goes to DV shelters/organizations
These are just a few ideas, but they are all worth a shot! If you are a student or faculty member here at URI, me and the peer advocates are doing so much fun stuff to raise awareness about domestic abuse. On Thursday the 4th, we will be hosting a booth in the union talking about domestic abuse and will be selling purple bracelets for $2. Spread the word! We will be having 3 booths in total this month!
Later on in the month, we will be hosting a Masquerade Ball fundraiser meant to symbolize how anyone can be a victim. We will provide masks and facts about domestic abuse. There will be a DJ and possibly food! The cover charge is TBA, but keep it in mind for Halloween! Costumes welcome (if appropriate!). This is my project so I'm really excited for it! I'll keep you all posted!
Another project I'm working on is the Purple Challenge which asks you to wear as much purple as you can every Wednesday of this month to raise awareness about domestic abuse! Below is a picture of me and some of the URI Peer Advocates wearing purple!
Now that it is DVAPM, I will be posting much more frequently so stay tuned! Send me your pictures of wearing purple, and I will post them here! Do your part and stop the hurt! :)
It is October which means it is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH! This is our time to shine and really take a stand against domestic abuse! This is your chance to do your part and stop the hurt. There are plenty of opportunities for you to do so! For example, if you want to help and don't know how:
- volunteer at a local DV shelter
- donate $ to a local shelter (trust me, they all need it)
- donate old clothes/cell phones/canned goods
- post on your Facebook and Twitter that it is DVAPM to raise awareness
- post facts on your social networking sites about DV
- buy merchandise where the money goes to DV shelters/organizations
These are just a few ideas, but they are all worth a shot! If you are a student or faculty member here at URI, me and the peer advocates are doing so much fun stuff to raise awareness about domestic abuse. On Thursday the 4th, we will be hosting a booth in the union talking about domestic abuse and will be selling purple bracelets for $2. Spread the word! We will be having 3 booths in total this month!
Later on in the month, we will be hosting a Masquerade Ball fundraiser meant to symbolize how anyone can be a victim. We will provide masks and facts about domestic abuse. There will be a DJ and possibly food! The cover charge is TBA, but keep it in mind for Halloween! Costumes welcome (if appropriate!). This is my project so I'm really excited for it! I'll keep you all posted!
Another project I'm working on is the Purple Challenge which asks you to wear as much purple as you can every Wednesday of this month to raise awareness about domestic abuse! Below is a picture of me and some of the URI Peer Advocates wearing purple!
Now that it is DVAPM, I will be posting much more frequently so stay tuned! Send me your pictures of wearing purple, and I will post them here! Do your part and stop the hurt! :)
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