Welcome to the NDVH Survivors’ Blog
Every couple of weeks we will post a new blog entry by one of our many wonderful guest bloggers. We invite you to post your comments and discuss issues openly. We are committed to maintaining a positive, caring, non-judgmental environment and allowing open and honest discussions to take place. We will only step in as moderators if there are violations of our Terms of Use and Community Guidelines. Please read them both carefully. If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of our moderators.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Posted: Feb 5, 2010 | Comment
February has been designated as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. In the past Congress had designated the first full week of February as a prevention week and this is the first year that a whole month is dedicated to prevention efforts. loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline has put together a comprehensive resources page specially created for this month’s awareness efforts. Please click here for more information and for ways you could do your part this month.
48 Hours Mystery
Posted: Jan 28, 2010 | Comment
An upcoming episode of 48 Hours Mystery will focus on domestic violence. The program will follow the investigation of the shocking and mysterious disappearance of Theresa Parker back in March 2007. When investigators direct their focus to her husband Sam, the probe exposes his dark side and her deadly secret. The episode will feature domestic violence statistics compiled by the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Hotline phone number. The program will air on CBS Saturday, January 30 at 9 p.m. Central. Click here to watch a preview of Tracy Smith’s report in 48 Hours Mystery.
Katie Couric speaks with teen dating abuse experts
Posted: Jan 14, 2010 | Comment
Katie Couric and CBS Evening News have dedicated themselves to raising awareness for teen dating abuse. Back in December 2009, they featured a very extensive segment on teen dating violence. Katie Couric has followed up the report with an interview with dating violence experts Jane Randel and Catherine Pierce yesterday for her new web show @katiecouric. Jane Randel is a member of the National Advisory Board for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Click here to view the full show.
Laws.com expands domestic violence resources
Posted: Dec 11, 2009 | Comment
Laws.com recently featured an article about The Hotline. It is a very informative piece and they have done a tremendous job at relaying important safety information as well as outlining The Hotline’s services. Please click here to read the article. They have also expanded their domestic violence resources.
Laws.com is a website dedicated to stopping crime and awarding heroes. They firmly believe in providing the public with information and they specialize in the area of crime prevention. The website works closely and supports top organizations around the world. They feature blogs, articles, videos and news covering areas such as domestic violence, child abuse, personal injury and more.
Katie Couric addresses escalating violence seen in teen relationships
Posted: Dec 4, 2009 | Comment
CBS Evening News with Katie Couric covered a crucial issue last night, the alarming number of American teenagers experiencing abusive relationships. This dilemma is reflected in the 600 percent increase of calls and chats to loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline since 2007. The CBS news crew was able to get a first hand glimpse during their visit to loveisrespect where they observed peer advocates during staged calls and chats.
Technology has made abuse easier than ever, allowing perpetrators to employ new mediums such as cell phones, email and social networking websites to control their partners. Sheryl Cates, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and loveisrespect, weighed in on the issue during the program and stated that technology has changed the dynamics of abuse. Please visit cbsnews.com to read the full story or click here to view the entire broadcast.
It’s Time to Talk Day encourages greater public dialogue about domestic violence
Posted: Dec 3, 2009 | Comment
Liz Claiborne Inc. is launching its sixth annual It’s Time to Talk Day on December 3. This day will be dedicated to encouraging Americans to speak-up about domestic violence. Individuals around the country will engage in conversations about the issue including government officials, talk radio, domestic violence advocates, businesses, schools and the general public.
Liz Claiborne Inc., will partner with experts in the field including MTV, loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, Seventeen, Talk Radio News Service, Joyful Heart Foundation and more. Please visit loveisnotabuse.org for more information or for ideas on ways to get involved.
Julie Stevenson (far right), is Chair of the annual ”A Day to Shine” fundraiser benefitting loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. She will be participating in It’s Time to Talk events today. Also pictured and participating in events are National Domestic Violence Hotline and loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline CEO Sheryl Cates (far left) and Judge Jeanine Pirro (center).
Inspiration
Posted: Nov 17, 2009 | Comment
For almost 15 years, since the death of her sister, Nicole Brown Simpson, Denise Brown has spoken out about the issue of domestic violence. She has travelled all across the United States, speaking to university student bodies, men in prison and in batterers’ treatment programs, women at risk, church groups and various educational and legislative forums. She has advocated for a variety of legislative solutions for domestic violence, and has made a life-long commitment to educating the public. In her own words, Denise shares her inspiration and purpose for the amazing work she does.
It all started on the saddest day in the world for me. June 12th 1994. A day I will never forget.
The day my sister Nicole was brutally murdered.
Nicole and I were less than two years apart in age. When we were growing up we did everything together, we looked out for one another. When Nicole was a baby and my mother took her for walks in her stroller she used to tell me how I wouldn’t let anyone near her.
The groups of friends we hung out with were the same. Some girlfriends even said “If one of them is mad at you, so is the other one”.
After about a year of courtrooms I was asked to speak, March 1995 in Columbia, Missouri, to 800 people. I said yes but honestly I don’t know why, because I used to ditch class if I had to give an oral report in front of the class. It was something I could not do. I was terrified.
When I got to Missouri they introduced me and for about 30 seconds I thought I was going to faint. All of a sudden a voice told me “This is not about a grade for you, this is to help others. You do the best you can.”
That was Nicole, my inspiration that helped me, that day to overcome my fear of speaking publicly. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss her. Wishing she were here with me, but I do know that her untimely death has and is saving so many lives in the world. Every time I speak I know Nicole is right there with me.
I love you Nick.
By Denise Brown
www.NicoleBrown.org
www.DeniseBrown.com
Mobile Giving services are provided by MobileGive.us