Good morning everyone and welcome to another week! Mondays can always be cause for some sighing and grumbling, however this week is Halloween, so there should be plenty of excitement in your home as your family prepares to participate in this fun, seasonal holiday. As we discussed in last week's blog you and each of your families may participate in Halloween in unique ways. Some families may treat Halloween a little differently from society, choosing to not dress up and participate only in 'fall festivals.' While many other families may partake in the regular old Halloween activities of dressing up, trick-r-treating with the kids, and then consuming far to much candy than is good for them :) Each family will explore Halloween differently, and each event will have their own element of fun for adults and kiddos alike.
However, no matter how you choose to allow your children to participate in Halloween, keeping them safe should be of the utmost priority. Eating candy, trick-r-treating, and being around adults that are dressed in costumes all have the potential to lead your children into hazardous situations. Here are a few suggestions from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) http://www.emergencyemail.org/newsemergency/anmviewer.asp?a=702&z=29 and the Halloween Safety website (http://www.halloween-safety.com/halloween_safety_kids.html) on how you can keep your children safe this Halloween.
First, lets discuss costumes. Any props that your children are carrying (weapons, knives, etc) should be FAKE and soft if at all possible. Encouraging your children to carry real weapons is dangerous, and even plastic toys may cause accidents if they are not handled carefully. Be sure to include a light-up element on the costume, or have your children carry a flashlight while trick-r-treating, so that they can be seen on dark streets. Make sure that costumes are flame-resistant and fit well, so that vision is not impaired and tripping or falling won't be an issue. If you are utilizing some sort of body or hair paint, be sure to test it out on a small area of your child's skin first, to check for irritation or an allergic reaction.
Second, as a parent, make sure you know ahead of time the schedule for the night and where your children will be at all times, especially if you are not planning on accompanying your older children in their Halloween endeavors. Here are some pre- Halloween and trick-r-treating checklist items for you as a parent:
- look up online where sex-offenders may be living in your neighborhood and make a wise decision about the route your kids take to trick-r-treat. Halloween is the perfect time for perpetrators to prey on young children.
- if your family does not trick-r-treat, know ahead of time whether or not the fall event your kids are attending is open to the public, requires a ticket for access, or if they do not have any safety measures in place for keeping out Halloween extremists. Knowing whether or not your kids will be intermixing with all types from the public will allow you to make a wise decision on attendance and chaperones.
- set a trick-r-treat route ahead of time and draw out a map with your kids. This way you will know where they are going to be at all times.
- set a curfew and send your kids with a cell-phone.
- the best way to ensure safe trick-r-treating or party attending is to go along for the fun. Halloween isn't just for kids after all.
Remember, your children, no matter their age, should never trick-r-treat alone. Safety is always in numbers and applies the same to Halloween activities. Also, remind your children, that they should never enter a house or car for anything. Candy givers should answer the door and pass out candy without requiring children to enter the house. Remind your kids that if anyone wants them to come inside, they should move on to the next house. Also, because your kids are likely to be walking the streets while trick-r-treating, remind them to be careful when crossing, to look both ways, and to always have their eye out for cars.
Remind your older, teenage children that vandalizing, even on Halloween, is wrong and that treating animals (yes, even black cats) unkindly, is cruel and not to be tolerated. Halloween should be fun for everything and everyone, so ruining property and hurting others is not cool.
As far as candy and Halloween treats go, remind your children that whether trick-r-treating, attending a party, or participating in a fall festival they should only take or consume factory wrapped treats where there are no rips or tampering that has occurred. Also, if you have rules about eating candy in your house, be sure to establish them ahead of time.
Lastly, remind your children that while there may some adults dressed up as fun (or scary) characters, they are to never ever go anywhere with an adult, allow an adult to touch them, or be lured away from the group. Halloween can provide an enticing atmosphere that may distract your children from remembering how to keep themselves safe. It is your job as a parent to remind them of the rules and establish with them what is, and what is not appropriate behavior by an adult. Obviously, attending Halloween celebrations with your children is the only way to ensure that you are keeping them safe, however this may not always be possible, so instill these Halloween safety tips beforehand.
Don't let these tips take away from the fun of Halloween. Enjoy making or buying costumes with your kids this week and send them out to have a fun evening Wednesday night. Fun is important, however safety is necessary. Enjoy the week, and the enjoy your kids!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
How to celebrate Halloween without Ghosts, Goblins, and Ghouls
Happy Monday to everyone! Looks like Halloween is just a little more than a week away and I would like to offer some Halloween tips and alternatives if you and your children are not the ghosts, goblins, and ghouls type. Growing up, my mother never allowed me or my 4 siblings to dress up as evil beings for our Halloween affairs. While we were allowed to trick-r-treat and collect candy, the costumes we chose had to be cheerful, creative characters that were the hero/heroines of movies, plays, TV shows or books. Never once were we allowed to dress up as ghosts or witches, nor have any weapons, blood, or violence as a part of our costumes.
Now, your Halloween traditions and rules might be different than my family's, but I would like to offer some alternative suggestions for those individuals looking to celebrate Halloween in a non-traditional manner.
First, if like my family you are not apt to let your child dress up as a scary, violent, or evil being, there are many other costume suggestions for your children. Have then dress up as their favorite Disney (c) character or a character from a favorite TV show. Encourage them to be creative, maybe make their own costumes (for a fun list of Do It Yourself costumes, be sure to visit the Family Builder's Halloween board on Pinterest). It's always fun to dress up as local heros, such as sports stars, police, fireman, or any of our armed forces. Maybe pick a family theme and everyone dresses up according to the theme. The Flintstone family perhaps, or maybe everyone dresses up as a fruit for a Family Fruit Basket. Have a big family? Create your own sports team and include cheerleaders. There are so many alternative costumes for your kids besides dressing up as evil beings. Make Halloween an opportunity for your kids to dress up as heros and heroines, or be the princesses and princes that they always dreamed of - get creative and help your kids find a fun costume!
I would also like to discuss trick-r-treating. My family always split the fun. We would spend the first hour of our neighborhood's three hour trick-r-treating time slot knocking on doors and collecting candy, and the two other hours answering our own door and passing out candy to other trick-r-treaters. Many parents want to avoid their children collecting and consuming too many sweets. This is a great way to ration the amount of candy received and allows an opportunity for your kids to be on both the giving and receiving end of participating in trick-r-treating.
Not a fan of trick-r-treating and looking for an alternative activity for your kids? While I DO NOT suggest adult-themed Halloween parties for your children, I do recommend finding local churches in your area who might be putting on a Fall celebration as an alternative to trick-r-treating. Most churches will have fun activities that are fall themed, still allow children to dress up in non-evil or fall themed costumes, and collect candy without the trick-r-treating aspect. Many families find this a much more appealing and safe way to allow their children to participate in Halloween activities. Search for local churches in your area to find out if they may be hosting such an event.
Lastly, as a parent you might be wondering what and how you should ration all that candy your kids just received in only a matter of hours. Well, at my household we were not allowed to eat any candy until we got home for the evening. From there, we were each allowed to pick 4 pieces from our own loot to eat immediately. From there, my mother would combine all 5 of our candy stashes together in a huge bowl hidden high on a shelf and we had to ask to have any. She would put one piece in our lunches everyday for school and when Thanksgiving came around, any candy left over we donated to local non-profits and schools for putting in gift bags for children. My mom made candy a privilege and a treat. If you completed a chore, you might get one piece; if you did something without being asked, you might get a piece. Candy was something we looked forward to receiving, but we were taught that it was a treat not a daily part of our meals :)
Halloween can be fun to participate in, but it can also be a source of stress for parents who do not wish to include ghosts, goblins, ghouls, or trick-r-treating into their traditions. I hope that some of the above suggestions have provided some alternatives for parents looking to get creative. Have a great week and enjoy your kids!
Below are some links to local OKC Halloween events that do not include trick-r-treating:
Haunt the Zoo at the OKC Zoo
Fall Festival at Crossroads Church
Mummy & Me Masquerade Ball
Fall Festival at Council Road Baptist Church
Free Family Fall Fest at Trinity Church of the Nazarene
Now, your Halloween traditions and rules might be different than my family's, but I would like to offer some alternative suggestions for those individuals looking to celebrate Halloween in a non-traditional manner.
First, if like my family you are not apt to let your child dress up as a scary, violent, or evil being, there are many other costume suggestions for your children. Have then dress up as their favorite Disney (c) character or a character from a favorite TV show. Encourage them to be creative, maybe make their own costumes (for a fun list of Do It Yourself costumes, be sure to visit the Family Builder's Halloween board on Pinterest). It's always fun to dress up as local heros, such as sports stars, police, fireman, or any of our armed forces. Maybe pick a family theme and everyone dresses up according to the theme. The Flintstone family perhaps, or maybe everyone dresses up as a fruit for a Family Fruit Basket. Have a big family? Create your own sports team and include cheerleaders. There are so many alternative costumes for your kids besides dressing up as evil beings. Make Halloween an opportunity for your kids to dress up as heros and heroines, or be the princesses and princes that they always dreamed of - get creative and help your kids find a fun costume!
I would also like to discuss trick-r-treating. My family always split the fun. We would spend the first hour of our neighborhood's three hour trick-r-treating time slot knocking on doors and collecting candy, and the two other hours answering our own door and passing out candy to other trick-r-treaters. Many parents want to avoid their children collecting and consuming too many sweets. This is a great way to ration the amount of candy received and allows an opportunity for your kids to be on both the giving and receiving end of participating in trick-r-treating.
Not a fan of trick-r-treating and looking for an alternative activity for your kids? While I DO NOT suggest adult-themed Halloween parties for your children, I do recommend finding local churches in your area who might be putting on a Fall celebration as an alternative to trick-r-treating. Most churches will have fun activities that are fall themed, still allow children to dress up in non-evil or fall themed costumes, and collect candy without the trick-r-treating aspect. Many families find this a much more appealing and safe way to allow their children to participate in Halloween activities. Search for local churches in your area to find out if they may be hosting such an event.
Lastly, as a parent you might be wondering what and how you should ration all that candy your kids just received in only a matter of hours. Well, at my household we were not allowed to eat any candy until we got home for the evening. From there, we were each allowed to pick 4 pieces from our own loot to eat immediately. From there, my mother would combine all 5 of our candy stashes together in a huge bowl hidden high on a shelf and we had to ask to have any. She would put one piece in our lunches everyday for school and when Thanksgiving came around, any candy left over we donated to local non-profits and schools for putting in gift bags for children. My mom made candy a privilege and a treat. If you completed a chore, you might get one piece; if you did something without being asked, you might get a piece. Candy was something we looked forward to receiving, but we were taught that it was a treat not a daily part of our meals :)
Halloween can be fun to participate in, but it can also be a source of stress for parents who do not wish to include ghosts, goblins, ghouls, or trick-r-treating into their traditions. I hope that some of the above suggestions have provided some alternatives for parents looking to get creative. Have a great week and enjoy your kids!
Below are some links to local OKC Halloween events that do not include trick-r-treating:
Haunt the Zoo at the OKC Zoo
Fall Festival at Crossroads Church
Mummy & Me Masquerade Ball
Fall Festival at Council Road Baptist Church
Free Family Fall Fest at Trinity Church of the Nazarene
Monday, October 15, 2012
Powerful DVAM Video Campaigns: Help spread the word!
Hard to believe it is October 15th already! Where has this month gone - why has time flown so quickly? Halloween is right around the corner, and before you know it, it will be Thanksgiving and then Christmas! I hope that each of you are enjoying the slightly cooler temperatures and finding it difficult to part with your kids each morning as you send them off to school. However, while you have a little bit of free time, take a moment to thoroughly involve yourself in this week's blog.
Today, I am excited to provide all of you with some links to powerful Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) video campaigns both from the U.S. and around the world. These campaigns have been used this October to help spread the word of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as to encourage breaking the code of silence that is preventing DV from being stopped. These campaigns vary in their production, their budgets, and their presentation, but they all share the same message: domestic violence and sexual assault are heinous acts that need to be stopped.
So, grab a box of tissues and engross yourself in these DVAM video campaigns:
First, is the "Indiana Says No More" campaign utilizing the message behind the "No More" Project that we discussed in an earlier blog:
Indiana Says No More
Then, there is the "1 is 2 Many" Campaign. Vice President, Joe Biden launched this campaign last year in partnership with many familiar faces. See if you recognize some of our country's most beloved athletes:
1 is 2 many
This next campaign was originally aired in the U.K. with actress Kiera Knightley. She stands behind a powerful message to end domestic violence:
Isn't it Time Someone Called Cut?
Another U.K. campaign was launched by a British blogger whose blogs are highly acclaimed. She created a unique campaign to raise awareness:
How to Look Your Best the Morning After
This campaign takes a look at the disturbing effects that domestic abuse and violence can have on children who witness violent acts every day:
Live Fear Free-The Effect of Domestic Abuse on Children
This campaign, done by a group of high-school students, may seem a bit corny, but it provides a message not often heard - acts of domestic violence occur towards men more often than anyone knows. The message behind this campaign is very real:
Domestic Violence PSA
This last campaign, involves men who on October 13th, 2012 took a stand for the women in their lives and all around the world. They are going the extra mile to raise awareness for DV in a very unique way:
Walk A Mile in Her Shoes
While some of these messages are disturbing and terrifying all at once, I hope this last campaign allowed you to smile and that all of the campaigns encouraged you to help raise awareness of DV and sexual assault in your own area. These videos have powerful messages and can be a contributing factor for a movement to end DV. However, only you can truly make it stop. Be aware, report suspected domestic violence or abuse, and educate your children on the dangers of anger, violence, and losing your temper. Have a great week everyone, and enjoy your kids!
Today, I am excited to provide all of you with some links to powerful Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) video campaigns both from the U.S. and around the world. These campaigns have been used this October to help spread the word of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as to encourage breaking the code of silence that is preventing DV from being stopped. These campaigns vary in their production, their budgets, and their presentation, but they all share the same message: domestic violence and sexual assault are heinous acts that need to be stopped.
So, grab a box of tissues and engross yourself in these DVAM video campaigns:
First, is the "Indiana Says No More" campaign utilizing the message behind the "No More" Project that we discussed in an earlier blog:
Indiana Says No More
Then, there is the "1 is 2 Many" Campaign. Vice President, Joe Biden launched this campaign last year in partnership with many familiar faces. See if you recognize some of our country's most beloved athletes:
1 is 2 many
This next campaign was originally aired in the U.K. with actress Kiera Knightley. She stands behind a powerful message to end domestic violence:
Isn't it Time Someone Called Cut?
Another U.K. campaign was launched by a British blogger whose blogs are highly acclaimed. She created a unique campaign to raise awareness:
How to Look Your Best the Morning After
This campaign takes a look at the disturbing effects that domestic abuse and violence can have on children who witness violent acts every day:
Live Fear Free-The Effect of Domestic Abuse on Children
This campaign, done by a group of high-school students, may seem a bit corny, but it provides a message not often heard - acts of domestic violence occur towards men more often than anyone knows. The message behind this campaign is very real:
Domestic Violence PSA
This last campaign, involves men who on October 13th, 2012 took a stand for the women in their lives and all around the world. They are going the extra mile to raise awareness for DV in a very unique way:
Walk A Mile in Her Shoes
While some of these messages are disturbing and terrifying all at once, I hope this last campaign allowed you to smile and that all of the campaigns encouraged you to help raise awareness of DV and sexual assault in your own area. These videos have powerful messages and can be a contributing factor for a movement to end DV. However, only you can truly make it stop. Be aware, report suspected domestic violence or abuse, and educate your children on the dangers of anger, violence, and losing your temper. Have a great week everyone, and enjoy your kids!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Overcoming Discouragement
Today, I would like to share a short entry with you about overcoming discouragement. With the colder weather approaching, leaving us to do indoor activities with our children who are less than thrilled about being stuck inside, discouragement can begin to take root. Your own personal discouragement will be different than mine; it could be related to your parenting skills, your own personal goals and achievements, discouragement in your job, or in your kids behavior. There are so many things that can become a source of discouragement in life.
However, I would encourage you to take the challenge of overcoming discouragement head on. Seek out a friend with whom you can exchange tails of woe. Find a support system that is able to help you process and work through the discouraging circumstance in your life. Never stop believing in yourself. You can do it - whatever "it" is; whether it is taking on a new challenge in parenting, overcoming a bad habit or addiction, or simply just climbing over a recent disappointment in life. Having a positive attitude and facing your discouragement head on will allow you to take positive steps towards overcoming it.
My own discouragements have come front and center this week and it made me consider that perhaps each on of you could be dealing with discouragements of your own this week. Remember, you are not alone in your struggle and you are not failing just because something did not go exactly as planned. Smile, keep you chin up, seek advice, and continue to strive towards overcoming your own personal source of discouragement. After all, there are so many other things to be smiling about and looking forward to. Halloween is around the corner and that means costumes, trick-r-treating, candy, and most of all, spending quality time with your children. Keep your heads up and keep moving forward. You will overcome and you will succeed. Keep your children's health, safety, and happiness as your first priority. Enjoy your kids and enjoy the rest of your week!
However, I would encourage you to take the challenge of overcoming discouragement head on. Seek out a friend with whom you can exchange tails of woe. Find a support system that is able to help you process and work through the discouraging circumstance in your life. Never stop believing in yourself. You can do it - whatever "it" is; whether it is taking on a new challenge in parenting, overcoming a bad habit or addiction, or simply just climbing over a recent disappointment in life. Having a positive attitude and facing your discouragement head on will allow you to take positive steps towards overcoming it.
My own discouragements have come front and center this week and it made me consider that perhaps each on of you could be dealing with discouragements of your own this week. Remember, you are not alone in your struggle and you are not failing just because something did not go exactly as planned. Smile, keep you chin up, seek advice, and continue to strive towards overcoming your own personal source of discouragement. After all, there are so many other things to be smiling about and looking forward to. Halloween is around the corner and that means costumes, trick-r-treating, candy, and most of all, spending quality time with your children. Keep your heads up and keep moving forward. You will overcome and you will succeed. Keep your children's health, safety, and happiness as your first priority. Enjoy your kids and enjoy the rest of your week!
Monday, October 8, 2012
NO MORE - A movement to end Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
How was everyone's weekend? A little chilly perhaps? The leaves are really beginning to fall, football is in full swing, and fall decorations are starting to make their appearance in the windows and on the porches of houses in neighborhoods everywhere. Fall really is a fun time of the year - October ushers in the cooler temperatures and Halloween closes out the month; November brings about holiday planning and Thanksgiving; then we move into winter as December descends upon us with thoughts of Christmas and family.
As we begin to cherish the moments that make fall wonderful, we must also remember those who are struggling to simply live their lives peacefully from day to day. All around you, in your neighborhood, at your church, where your kids go to school, are men and women who are daily victims of domestic violence and whose children are innocent bystanders who observe more violence than TV has to offer. These men, women, and children are people you know, people you care about, and often silent victims.
Today, I would like to introduce to you a groundbreaking movement that utilizes a symbol to spread the word about domestic violence and sexual assault. The symbol, you may have noticed, is located at the top of this blog post. The "No More" project began as a way to unify support across the nation to end domestic violence. This symbol and the call to action that stands behind it is not meant to replace the purple ribbon that is most often associated with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but is meant to move awareness into the public realm, raise visibility, break the silence, challenge the current stigma, and unify the movement towards ending this atrocity.
Interestingly enough the "No More" symbol holds no copyright and therefore leaves permission open for individuals and organizations anywhere to utilize the symbol along with their own logo. This symbol can be attached to a website, a blog, a social media account, and any other pamphlet, fact sheet, or flyer that individuals, non-profits, or companies want to use. The whole idea is to spread awareness and unite the movement to end domestic violence.
The "No More" Project has so many intricate and unique details that make it easy to use and help to bring awareness to this important issue. A toolkit is available on their website in order to begin implementation of the symbol at your own company or non-profit. Facts and stories of survivors are featured, further motivating individuals to become involved. Many celebrities have become involved and are the backbone for the campaign including, Law & Order SVU star, Mariska Hargitay. The project is unique but it is one of the strongest calls to action that has been issued.
Visit the "No More" Project website at: http://www.nomore.org/ and help to break the silence for those who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
While the topic of domestic violence may seem depressing for a blog that is meant to inform and encourage parents, remember that children are affected by domestic violence each and everyday. Your child may be in school with another child who witnesses the beating of his mother by his father everyday. Or your child's regular Wednesday play-date may be the onlooker of a mother who verbally abuses his/her father on a regular basis. If parents are informed, children can be sheltered from the horrors of domestic violence. Know the signs, learn the facts, and keep an eye on the children whom you and your children have interactions with everyday. If you suspect child abuse or domestic violence is occurring in a home, report it - do not stand silent.
For all you parents out there, have a great week and continue to explore fun, fall plans with your children. With Halloween right around the corner, its time to get a jump start on those costumes. Stay tuned for fun costume ideas and safe trick-r-treating tips as the month continues. Enjoy your kids and remember "No More." Stand for a cause, be a voice.
Monday, October 1, 2012
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
When you think October, you often think fall, Halloween, breaking out the candy, figuring out how to make home-made costumes for your kids, and preparing to make holiday plans. While all these activities are fun, exciting, and add a level of depth and dimension to your relationships with your children, October should also make you think of another very important event - Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
In 1987, almost 25 years ago, October became the official month of Domestic Violence Awareness. This awareness program was launched due to the record high number of deaths of women associated with domestic violence for that year. Purple became the nationally recognized color of DVAM, as it is said to symbolize the colors of the bruises received by those who are victims of this atrocity. According to DomesticViolenceStatistics.org, domestic violence is still the leading cause of injury to women. The LEADING cause- that means more than car accidents, rapes, and muggings - domestic violence trumps all of them. Domestic Violence isn't the same as being mugged and beaten on the street by a stranger, or raped by a person who don't know. Domestic Violence occurs in the home, by people who are known, loved, and close to the victims. The perpetrator is someone the victim is in a relationship with, married to, or as a commitment to. No strangers are involved in this type of violence. This perhaps, makes this violence all the more deadly and terrifying.
Domestic violence doesn't just effect women. Men are also domestic violence victims, and the mental and emotional damage inflicted on young children who become victims by observing domestic violence in their homes is on the up-rise. Domestic Violence hurts everyone. Here are some general statistics from NOMore.org regarding the casualties of domestic violence:
In Oklahoma City the YWCA can help to educate and protect you and those you love. Their mission is to empower women to fight against domestic violence and sexual assault, racism, and promote peace, freedom, and dignity. They are a great resource in this area for those who feel they are victims, or know victims of domestic violence. For more information, visit their website at:
http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=djIMI0POKvG&b=4818621
or get in touch with them by phone at 405.943.7177
Knowing the resources in your area can help you to end domestic violence.
So, this October, wear purple and help build awareness for Domestic Violence in your area. Many events are occurring in the upcoming months:
"Silent Witness Initiative Project Tour" - Verizon Wireless and the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (OCADVSA) - stops in Durant, Oklahoma today, Oct 1st from 7 to 8 pm
"Women Who Care, Share" - YWCA - December 3rd
"Rally on the South Lawn of the State Capitol" & "Wear Purple Day" - Women's Haven - Oct 4th, 6:30 pm
"Telling Amy's Story" - screening on Great Lawn at Myriad Gardens - Oct 9th, 7 pm
Be sure to stay tuned to our blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest pages as we locate more DVAM events and keep you updated with stats, stories, and facts. Raising awareness of Domestic Violence is a crucial part of bringing about peace and keeping your children and family safe.
So, while enjoying the crisp, fall air and helping your kids pick out Halloween costumes and fall decorations, wear something purple to remind you of DVAM. Enjoy the week and enjoy your kids!
In 1987, almost 25 years ago, October became the official month of Domestic Violence Awareness. This awareness program was launched due to the record high number of deaths of women associated with domestic violence for that year. Purple became the nationally recognized color of DVAM, as it is said to symbolize the colors of the bruises received by those who are victims of this atrocity. According to DomesticViolenceStatistics.org, domestic violence is still the leading cause of injury to women. The LEADING cause- that means more than car accidents, rapes, and muggings - domestic violence trumps all of them. Domestic Violence isn't the same as being mugged and beaten on the street by a stranger, or raped by a person who don't know. Domestic Violence occurs in the home, by people who are known, loved, and close to the victims. The perpetrator is someone the victim is in a relationship with, married to, or as a commitment to. No strangers are involved in this type of violence. This perhaps, makes this violence all the more deadly and terrifying.
Domestic violence doesn't just effect women. Men are also domestic violence victims, and the mental and emotional damage inflicted on young children who become victims by observing domestic violence in their homes is on the up-rise. Domestic Violence hurts everyone. Here are some general statistics from NOMore.org regarding the casualties of domestic violence:
- 1 in 4 women experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes.
- 1 in 3 teens experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend in one year.
- 1 in 6 women are survivors of sexual assault.
- 1 in 5 men have experienced some form of sexual victimization in their lives.
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18.
In Oklahoma City the YWCA can help to educate and protect you and those you love. Their mission is to empower women to fight against domestic violence and sexual assault, racism, and promote peace, freedom, and dignity. They are a great resource in this area for those who feel they are victims, or know victims of domestic violence. For more information, visit their website at:
http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=djIMI0POKvG&b=4818621
or get in touch with them by phone at 405.943.7177
Knowing the resources in your area can help you to end domestic violence.
So, this October, wear purple and help build awareness for Domestic Violence in your area. Many events are occurring in the upcoming months:
"Silent Witness Initiative Project Tour" - Verizon Wireless and the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (OCADVSA) - stops in Durant, Oklahoma today, Oct 1st from 7 to 8 pm
"Women Who Care, Share" - YWCA - December 3rd
"Rally on the South Lawn of the State Capitol" & "Wear Purple Day" - Women's Haven - Oct 4th, 6:30 pm
"Telling Amy's Story" - screening on Great Lawn at Myriad Gardens - Oct 9th, 7 pm
Be sure to stay tuned to our blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest pages as we locate more DVAM events and keep you updated with stats, stories, and facts. Raising awareness of Domestic Violence is a crucial part of bringing about peace and keeping your children and family safe.
So, while enjoying the crisp, fall air and helping your kids pick out Halloween costumes and fall decorations, wear something purple to remind you of DVAM. Enjoy the week and enjoy your kids!
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