Domestic Violence-This National Epidemic Must Be Cured!

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So What Can A Domestic Violence Zone Do?

Domestic violence is not a popular topic, in fact, this Domestic Violence Zone is not shown as a featured or popular zone at Helium, but it has a story to tell. There are many myths surrounding the subject of domestic violence. These misconceptions or "myths" are rooted in the general public's lack of understanding of just what domestic violence is and how its tragic effects can destroy relationships, result in serious injuries and oftentimes, the end result is murder. This zone is dedicated to all those courageous women who have made the decision to finally leave a violent environment and actually be the people God intended them to be.

Domestic Violence Is All About Power & Control

All the experts say that domestic violence is learned behavior and it is not caused by alcohol, drugs or even temper. An abusive partner must have complete power and control over his victim. Every woman must understand clearly that the violence is not your fault and there is nothing you can do to change your abusive partner.

If you feel that you are living in a violent or abusive relationship, the best thing for you to do is to get help now.

Talk to your friends and family becasue these people really care about you.

There is absolutely no reason to feel ashamed and you aren't going to change him. The violence is not your fault and you certainly don't deserve it. No woman deserves to be physically, sexually or emotionally abused in her own home, period.

State Coalitions Against Domestic Violence

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Help is available to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

1-800-799-SAFE(7233)

Violence Against Women In The Workplace

The following is an excerpt from "Remarks Prepared for Delivery by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Violence Against Women Summit, Anchorage, Alaska Wednesday, June 30, 2004"

"Violence in the workplace is a serious public safety and health issue. The most extreme form of violence, homicide, is the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the United States. It is the second-leading cause of death for women in the workplace. Workplace violence takes an enormous toll on its victims and on our society. Each year, more than 500,000 workers lose more than 1.1 million workdays and more than $55 million in wages due to workplace violence. Billions of dollars are lost every year in productivity, legal expenses, property damage, diminished public image and increased security. So violence against women is not just a personal or family issue — it's a public policy issue that must be addressed."

Planning To Leave

Since leaving an abuser can be dangerous, you are the only one who knows the safest time to leave. Even if you plan to leave sometime in the future, there are some precautions you can take:

• Come up with some type of safety signal with your neighbor as an alert to call the police if necessary. It could be a flower pot in the window or a shade raised or lowered.
• Prepare an emergency bag to include:
  Extra Clothes
  Important Papers
  Money
  Extra keys (house and car)
  Prescription Medications
• Know where you will go and how you will get there.
• Call a local domestic violence organization to learn about resources available to you.
• If your children are in school, talk with a school counselor and advise them of custody arrangements and possible threats.

What Can Each One Of Us Do?

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is the power and control of one partner over another in a dating, marital or live-in relationship. Domestic violence also refers to a pattern of violent and coercive behavior exercised by one adult in an intimate relationship over another. It is not marital conflict, mutual abuse, a lovers quarrel, or a private family matter. It may consist of repeated, severe beatings or more subtle forms of abuse, including economic entrapment, psychological pressures, or physical isolation.

Domestic Violence Warning Signs

Cycle Of Violence

This cycle of domestic violence will repeat itself over and over again. Often, as time goes on, the "Calm" stage of the cycle just disappears.

It is important to understand that each stage of this cycle can last for a different amount of time in a relationship. The total cycle can take a very short time or a long time to complete and not all domestic violence relationships fit this cycle.

Domestic Violence In Your State

Are you aware of the domestic violence problem in your area?  Please take the time to check these statistics in your state or city and let us know.  Domestic violence does not just occur in poor families, but in all types of situations and professions.  You will be surprised.

Tell Us About The Domestic Violence Problem Where You Live.

Our state senators are elected by us, the people, and we have every right to contact them if and when we feel the need arises. Some people never write their state senators for several reasons: don't know who they are, don't know the address, don't know how to address a state senator, or may not know what to say in the letter or other correspondence.

Sample Letter

You can find the names and mailing addresses of your state senators here:

www.senate.gov