DVAM Challenge 17: Commit to Saying No More
Today's challenge #17 is about adding your voice to the collective movement against domestic violence and sexual assault. The NO MORE campaign was started to unify the efforts of the many people working to end violence.
The following is from the NO MORE website:
NO MORE was created by 50 individuals from many different backgrounds who were frustrated by the fact that even though domestic violence and sexual assault are devastatingly pervasive and widespread– impacting rich, poor, young , old, male, female, white, brown, black, from every region and religion– they aren’t a priority in this country.
There are many ways to get involved ... Read More »
DVAM Challenge 16 – Remember a Victim
We are surrounded by stories of domestic violence and sexual assault. Whether they are reported accurately or are framed as homicides, domestic disturbances or misdemeanors, we encounter these stories on a daily basis. October is an opportunity to shed greater light on the complexities of these stories and to honor the women and men who died as result of violence.
Today for DVAM Challenge 16, commit to remembering a victim of domestic violence. This can be someone you knew personally, a story that captured the attention of your community or even a story of a stranger who you never knew. Together ... Read More »
DVAM Challenge 9, Share a Message of Support
Welcome to DVAM Challenge 9. We're keeping it short and simple today. Understand your importance as a friend. What you say and do can really make a difference in someone's story. If a loved one confides in you that they are experiencing abuse, believe them and be there for them. This doesn't mean you have to "fix" their situation for them. They may just need to feel that they are not alone. You can do so much just by listening and not judging them.
Today, share this message and spread the idea that victims of domestic violence should be met with ... Read More »
DVAM Challenge 8, For Frustrated Friends & Family
Watching someone you love experience domestic violence can be very disheartening. If the person you care for is not reacting the way that you want them to -- for example, leaving the situation – it’s easy to become frustrated.
One of the most common reasons that friends and family members of victims become frustrated is because they witness or hear about abusive behaviors happening repeatedly, but don’t see any action being made by their loved one. Witnessing repeated offenses can make it difficult for you to maintain a positive outlook on your loved one’s situation.
Unfortunately, this can have a very negative ... Read More »
DVAM Challenge, Day 7: Helping a Loved One
Helping a friend or family member who is in an abusive relationship can be challenging. If you have noticed that your loved one’s relationship is unhealthy, remember that they need your support. Understand that you can't fix or change their situation. Only they can choose what to do. For example, if they aren’t concerned for their immediate safety, then you have to respect that.
When talking to your loved one about their relationship, be honest about your concerns, but stay focused on their needs and avoid being judgmental. Say things like, “When you said that your partner did this, that scared me,” ... Read More »
DVAM Challenge, Day 6: Be Supportive
We had a great first week of The Hotline DVAM Challenge. Here were the challenges so far:
Challenge 1: Commit to the DVAM Challenge
Challenge 2: Share the facts about domestic violence
Challenge 3: Take the quiz and test your knowledge
Challenge 4: End the stigma by sharing the truth
Challenge 5: Know (and share) the signs of abuse
This week, we will be focusing on the role that the support system plays for a survivor or victim of domestic violence.
We often have friends and family call The Hotline asking what they can do for their loved one who is experiencing abuse. This week, we'll look ... Read More »
DVAM, Challenge 5: Know the Signs of Abuse
Over 500 people shared our photo from Challenge Four on Facebook! The DVAM Challenge is off to a great start!
During this week, we have reflected on how information is powerful in understanding and ending domestic violence. Being able to tell the signs of domestic violence is very challenging, especially when it is happening to someone we love or maybe even ourselves.
Please read the following signs of abuse.
It may be abuse if one partner:
- Embarrasses the other with put-downs
- Acts in ways that scares the other partner
- Controls what the other does, who they see or talk to or where they ... Read More »