October marks the 7th month of a world transformed by pandemic. It marks the beginning of fall–the foresight of a Halloween that won’t be the same –and of course the ticking timeline to the election. However, let us also be informed and acknowledge this as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.”
This post seeks to spread awareness, but it’s also a dedication to the aunt I was named after Sandra–a woman I never met, never had a chance to stand in her presence, never heard her laughter, because of tragedy stemming from domestic violence. It is with hope my life always illuminates Sandra’s and that this post spreads awareness of not only this month but a reality that many are faced with.
Danielle’s Story, is an excerpt of from the play “Raise Your Glass”, in which the character boldly reveals her story of domestic abuse. I will note that while recording this, I was fortunate to speak with a friend who shared her courageous story of domestic abuse and enriched this poem to become more than revealing abuse, but also revealing the strength from within.
This poem provides a glimpse into a journey and although it’s from a female’s perspective, understand her story translates to all that have experienced this. While this may be a fictional character, the reality of abuse is not. “ 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, “2 according to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
What can YOU do?
Learn more about Domestic Violence:
Share information on resources available.
Sarah’s Inn provides 24-Hour Crisis Line (Locally) 24-HOUR CRISIS LINE: 708-386-4225 (phone) / 708-792-3120 (text)
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (State) Hotline: (877) 863-6338 www.ilcadv.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)/ TTY 1.800.787.3224
Donate and Support Organizations Providing Services and Advocating for Victims of Domestic Violence.
Sarah’s Inn provides comprehensive services for families affected by domestic violence so that they get the support they need to find safety, rebuild their lives, and heal.
The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence
The Network works diligently to improve the lives of those impacted by domestic violence with the use of education, policy & advocacy, and connection of community members to domestic violence service providers – Each step taking us closer to ending society’s tolerance of domestic violence.
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) is a membership organization working to eliminate domestic violence in Illinois. ICADV serves over 50 statewide agencies who provide direct service to survivors and their dependent children.
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