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omestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unityâ€? in October 1981; conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nations who were working to end violence against women and their children. The day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national levels. In October 1987, the ÂżUVW 'RPHVWLF 9LROHQFH $ZDUHQHVV 0RQWK ZDV REVHUYHG 7KDW VDPH \HDU PDUNV WKH LQLWLDWLRQ RI WKH ÂżUVW QDWLRQDO GRPHVWLF YLROHQFH WROO IUHH KRWOLQH ,Q WKH 8 6 &RQJUHVV SDVVHG 3XEOLF /DZ GHVLJQDWLQJ October of that year as; National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Mourning those who have died due to domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting with those who work to end domestic violence. Several facts and statistics regarding domestic violence need to be exposed to our legislators, and the general public. Included is the fact that; 40% of women in California experience physical abuse from their intimate partner during their lifetime, and three (3) women are killed daily by their current or former partner in the United States of America. 0RVW RI RXU OHJLVODWRUV MXGJHV ODZ HQIRUFHPHQW RIÂżFLDOV WKH SXEOLF LQ general do not understand, nor are aware, of the “Domestic Violence Syndromeâ€? as well as many of us who have survived this violent behavior, that we have endured in our past.
3) Why do some abused women refuse to “press chargesâ€?, against their abuser? Mostly because of the above reasons, EHVLGHV QRW KDYLQJ PXFK FRQÂżGHQFH LQ VRPH FRXUW V\VWHPV that do not understand the Domestic Violence Syndrome, who give more credence to the male’s views. After which the woman feels very “trappedâ€?, and more susceptible to further and a worse form of abuse, and even death! $ PDMRU VXJJHVWLRQ IRU -XGJHV OHJLVODWRUV DQG ODZ HQIRUFHPHQW RIÂżFLDOV is to achieve further training in the Domestic Violence Syndrome, sensitivity training in women’s issues, and their rights. Educate abused women on the many agencies and services available to them, and to pursue the enforcement of restraining orders to the fullest! Family Court Judges should be held accountable for making decisions that protect children, rather than placing them at further risk of abuse. Since bullying usually takes place in our school systems; it is suggested WKDW VFKRRO GLVWULFW RIÂżFLDOV HVWDEOLVK ÂłEXOO\ SXOSLW HGXFDWLRQ SURJUDPV´ taught by knowledgeable teachers and instructors to students, teachers, administrators and staffs.
“THE HEALTHIER A PERSON IS---THE MORE HE OR SHE IS ABLE TO EXERCISE CHOICE---RATHER THAN COMPULSION.�
There are several questions that need to be answered, explained, and some suggested solutions:
1) Why do women who are repeatedly beaten and assaulted still remain with their batterer? Because in most instances, they are fully convinced that they are being treated this way due to how much they have “disappointed� their bat terer, or believe it is all their fault, and they deserve to be “punished.� After suffering beatings and physical or mental abuse, why after leaving does the woman return to their abuser? Some women again; feel it is their fault, having caused this abuse, and are convinced this is all due because their abuser “loves them so much� has had his “feelings hurt�, due to their con tinual arguing, disagreeing with him, and have not shown
INSPIRING WHOLE WELLNESS‌. MIND, BODY, & SPIRIT Published by the Daily Press 3DUN $YHQXH 9LFWRUYLOOH &DOLI ‹ 'DLO\ 3UHVV Publisher: Al Frattura (GLWRU 5HJLQD :HDWKHUVSRRQ %HOO Page Design & Layout: Susan Brodeur Cover Design: Susan Brodeur
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Margaret A. Diaz
love or concern for him. Those who have small children especially feel they cannot survive without him in several ways. Some women eventually lose their self esteem, self FRQÂżGHQFH DQG GR QRW IHHO VDIH QRU VHFXUH ZLWKRXW KLP
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Message from â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Better Wayâ&#x20AC;? Executive Director