Tag Archives: Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), an issue that affects women, children, and even men.

History of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In 1989, Congress designated the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this evolved from the “Day of Unity,” which was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and held in October of 1981.

“The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level,” which had the common themes of mourning those who died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who survived, and connecting those working to end violence (National Resource Center on Domestic Violence).

Resources

Review these important safety tips regarding your use of technology: Safety Tips

There are free cell phone donation programs, shelters, and even housing assistance programs available to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Contact your local domestic violence program, rape crisis center, or domestic violence hotline for more information about resources that are available in your area.

If you have been sexually assaulted, call the U.S. National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) and you will automatically be connected to a local U.S. rape crisis program based on the area code of your phone number. You can also contact them using a secure, online private chat.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline today for help at 1­-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or TTY 1­-800-787-3224.

If you are in danger, please call 911.

40 Reasons Why Women Stay In Abusive Relationships

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The month of October is domestic violence awareness month so I wanted to share some of the things that make women stay in abusive relationships. While some women do know why they have difficulty leaving an abusive boyfriend, some women don’t understand what factors make them stay.

I do think it’s important to know the root causes of your inability to end abusive relationships. In identifying this, you may also be identifying an aspect of yourself that you can work on. For example, if you stay in an abusive relationship because your boyfriend has convinced you that no other man will love you, then working on your self-esteem/self-confidence is important. No woman deserves to be abused and we all deserve so much better!

40 Reasons Why Women Stay in Abusive Relationships:

  1. You’re afraid of being alone or single
  2. You’re afraid that no other man will want you
  3. Low self-esteem or you feel inadequate
  4. His job – he’s a cop, politician, or public figure
  5. You think that no one will believe you
  6. Maintaining public images or reputations
  7. The honeymoon phase after physical abuse
  8. You believe his promises
  9. You love him
  10. You think he will change
  11. Your parent’s abusive relationship made this behavior normal
  12. You feel guilty because of how much he has helped you
  13. You’re financially dependent on him
  14. Your history with him
  15. He displays a nice side that you love
  16. He can be very kind and affectionate when he wants to be
  17. You have no support system
  18. You have no means to leave
  19. He manipulates you
  20. He makes you feel like all the relationship problems are your fault
  21. He makes you feel like you deserve the abuse
  22. You have no where else to live
  23. He threatens to commit suicide
  24. Fear – fear of harassment, physical harm, or death
  25. You don’t want to divide your family and take the children away from their father
  26. You’re afraid you would lose your children to him
  27. You don’t want to be a single mother
  28. You’re afraid of going through a break up
  29. You don’t know how to leave the relationship
  30. He has trained you to think that abuse is okay
  31. You don’t realize that you’re being abused
  32. Religious beliefs
  33. Fear of losing everything you have – home, car, belongings
  34. His intimidation, power, and control over you
  35. He apologizes profusely
  36. You don’t want to get divorced and have a failed marriage
  37. You think the abuse will end when he is not stressed
  38. His threats to harm you
  39. You blame yourself for the abuse and think that you deserve it
  40. Pressure from others to make the relationship work

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. They’re available 24/7 and it’s completely confidential.

Till Next Time,

Dee

For great dating advice, get my book: Picking up the Pieces: Rebuilding Yourself for the Love and Relationship You Deserve.