We need to support the survivors and educate the others so tell a Gal Pal about Domestic Violence.
Those of you who are regulars here, know that I am passionate about helping anyone who suffers from abuse especially women and children. More than seven out of 10 Americans know someone who is or has been a victim but still people look the other way and refuse to talk about it. It’s as though Domestic Violence is a dirty word.
Go figure? Everyone is talking about bullying and how it destroys lives and too often often ends them. Bullying is no different from domestic violence except that bullying is abuse that usually occurs outside of the home and domestic violence occurs inside of the home.
Here are some facts:
- Each day in the U.S., 3 women die as a result of domestic violence.
- More than 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
- Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans know someone who is or has been a victim.
- Only 54 percent of Americans have talked to a friend about domestic violence.
- Only 56 percent would know what to do to help a victim of domestic violence.
So what can you do to help?
- Talk openly about domestic violence. Tell your Gal Pals – whether it’s your best friend, sister, mother, daughter, niece, cousin or neighbor – to face domestic violence, share their opinions and experiences and show support for survivors.
- Speak out against domestic violence when you see it. Call the police or National Domestic Violence Hotline to report domestic violence in your community – you could help save a life.
- Visit ClickToEmpower.org for easy ways start the conversation, check out resources for survivors or read inspirational survivor stories.
- You can also show your support for domestic violence survivors by volunteering at or donating items to your local domestic violence shelter. Contact your state domestic violence coalition for more information. Click here for a complete list of state coalitions.
This post is different from previous ones that I have written because I have been asked to write this for the purpose of helping The Allstate Foundation by teaming up with TwitterMoms to raise awareness of domestic violence. I am participating in this blogging program by joining the Tell a Gal Pal movement, which calls on people to talk openly about domestic violence and support those in need.
It would be amazing if each and every one of you would join The Allstate Foundation’s Tell a Gal Pal movement and “like” the Facebook page. For each person who “likes” the Click To Empower! Facebook page, The Allstate Foundation will donate $1 to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (up to $20,000). If you pledge to Tell a Gal Pal about domestic violence, you will help raise $20,000 to be donated to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. In addition, The Allstate Foundation will donate another $1 if you take the pledge to Tell a Gal Pal about domestic violence. As part of the pledge, your photo will be added to the “Faces of Support” gallery to show survivors that they aren’t facing domestic violence alone.
If you have a blog, you can join in the cause too.
The Allstate Foundation’s Domestic Violence Program was created to help domestic violence survivors overcome economic challenges and lead financially independent lives, free from abuse. Through a partnership with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the program provides a network of financial resources, including a comprehensive financial empowerment curriculum; funds direct services, including education and job training assistance; and spreads the word on how to empower those touched by domestic and economic abuse. For more information and to find out how to help, visit www.ClickToEmpower.org.
About the Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Allstate and The Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote “safe and vital communities;” “tolerance, inclusion, and diversity;”and “economic empowerment.” The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America’s families achieve their American dream. For additional information, visit www.ClickToEmpower.org.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/clicktoempower
Twitter: http://twitter.com/clicktoempower
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=850B2B37C53F45A9
Photo by dennoir
Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in The Allstate Foundation’s Tell a Gal Pal blogging program with TwitterMoms, making me eligible to get an interview with Cheryl Burke. For more information on how you can participate click on this link http://tellagalpal.twittermoms.com/about)
