Prevention Never Stops

Although domestic violence awareness month has come to end, it does not mean the fight to end this plight should begin to waver.  Everyday, advocates across the globe work to empower, educate, and advocate for the safety of victims of abuse. However, it takes more than just advocates, many of whom are survivors themselves, to fight this “war.”  It takes a community to stand together and say – “No More!”- “Enough!”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 women will be affected by intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The most dangerous moment in an abusive relationship is when a survivor attempts to leave her abusive partner- threatening his control over her life and freedom. This is when this person needs the most support and helping hand, yet that support is not always readily available in our communities.  This must change.

Earlier this month, I shared a blog post on how we are showered with pink in efforts to bring awareness to effects of breast cancer on the lives of women and importance of screening and research. You cannot walk into a store and miss the pink ribbon; I even saw it blended with company logos in a number of stores. I came home one day and there it was, in front of the sign for the company that treats our lawn, next to my mailbox, in PINK! I came across only one direct selling company that created a beautiful marketing board, supporting both causes. One of the things which stood out the most was how they combined the colors – pink and purple – two colors that are often marketed to girls and women. Yet, these colors also represent two important issues that impact the lives of thousands of women. Violence against women is not afforded the attention and importance it deserves in terms of the impact it has on women’s lives and wellbeing.

Next October, I challenge you to find away to incorporate both.  Invite a local company to take a stand to end family violence and support their communities in educating and advocating for an end to this problem.  Silence is deadly and every voice that speaks for change is a step forward in this epidemic.

Those that work on the field CANNOT do this alone!  Your community needs you!   Please support local safe house / dv organization in ensuring the stories, struggles and barriers to safety that Latina survivors face are heard within the movement to end violence for everyone.  It is imperative that we continue to bring awareness and action to this issue, 12 months out of the year.