Domestic violence and abuse is a world-wide epidemic, crippling lives physically and psychologically. When children are involved, as they often are, it becomes a crime against an entire generation. It’s a serious problem that requires serious action.
Leaving an abusive situation is difficult, and it is made harder when children are involved. Where can an abused woman go? And what if the abuser decides to come after her?
In America and abroad, many communities have stepped up to address the aftermath of domestic abuse, providing safe places for battered women and their children to stay while they recover from the abuse. I can testify that your local Women’s Shelter could use as much help as it can get.
And here’s how you can help:
What you can do
Monetary donations are always appreciated by organizations like these. Money would go to help pay administrative costs and provide living allowances for women or families in need.
Even more helpful are donations of goods: furniture, clothing, hygiene products, make-up, toys—they’re all appreciated. Infant products like disposable diapers, bottles, cribs and formula are also in great demand. And many shelters either operate food banks or are partnered with one, so donations of food can also be a blessing. Instant milk is always a good item to donate.
When making donations, it’s not uncommon for a shelter organization to either come to your home and pick up the items, or collect the items someplace other than at the actual shelter. This is because, for security reasons, the locations of actual living facilities are kept secret.
Another way to help is by volunteering time. One of the biggest needs is for mentors for the children of battered moms. Many shelters run their own mentoring programs, while others link up with mentoring organizations in the community. Boys in particular need positive male role models to counter the negative examples to which they may have been subjected, so this is a good area for men to get involved.
Of course, these are just suggestions. Call your local Women’s Shelter and find out what they need specifically (Google women’s shelter and your city or county name to get in touch). You can help provide a small sense of stability, safety and sanity to a fearful woman or family.
One more note
If you are in an abusive relationship, get out now. You are not obligated to be abused by anyone, especially not in your home. Locate your local shelter and let them help you. If you have children, do it for them.
Learn More
International statistics (PDF file)
Domestic violence plagues women worldwide, study says, Elizabeth Rosenthal, New York Times, October 6, 2006
Prevalence of Domestic Violence, www.stopvaw.org
Filed under: One Soul, One World, Shelters from Abuse, Worldwide - Abuse | Tagged: Abuse, charity, children, Domestic Violence, Families, Fear, Mentoring, Shelters, Violence, Women, Women's Shelters
Excellent contribution, Robert. This is so true; when you find a shelter to donate to, just call them and find out what they need. Donations is how they get by much of the time…… Peace, Vanessa
Great post, Robert. I know from experience how devastating domestic violence can be. Thanks for the contribution. If anyone out there would like to talk to a me about my experience, and how I regained my true self, please drop me an email at –cordieb.msn.com–. Peace.
The most heartbreaking thing about domestic violence is, with so many options for “getting out,” it still seems difficult for women to leave such situations. I know fear of reprisal is one reason, but another strong one is emotional attachment: (But I still love him! He’s going to change, I know he will!).
Can anyone offer some encouragement to women who may find themselves here?