DO Something About Domestic Violence

I have been a victim survivor of domestic violence in the past. I didn't plan to get myself in that situation, it took me a very long time to recognize that it was domestic violence and it took a giant series of awfulness to get out of that situation.

For me, much of the relationship wasn't physical violence. But it was very much control. #seethesigns
http://www.avonfoundation.org/causes/domestic-violence/seethesigns

• He controlled where I could go and who I could see.
• I was the only one who had a consistent job but I had to pay all of the bills.
• He made everything my fault. Everything.

The worst part was that no one could or would help. I felt like I was drowning. I had to keep functioning every day. I couldn't get away, and I had no time for myself. All of my time was spent working, cleaning or taking care of him.When I did have friends or family come visit, he made it a miserable experience. Often, they became mad at me or stopped talking to me. That made me feel even worse, and believe it really was my fault. When it finally got a critical point, I asked people I knew for help and received none. Except for one very close friend who not only gave me a place to stay for a length of time but also protected me. <3

If you think someone you know is experiencing domestic or family abuse SPEAK THE F*CK OUT! Seriously. DO something.

http://www.avonfoundation.org/resources/speak-out/

I have been affected by domestic violence. Women I know have been affected by domestic violence. I have friends who have been manipulated, controlled, hit, kicked out, attacked, lied to, lied about, and put in positions of emotional distress and economic instability. I am pretty sure every single one of those women essentially had to claw her way out of each situation with little or no help. That's not right. Women in domestic violence situations often have very little power to do anything or communicate with people. That makes it significantly harder to identify their own position and do take action to removed themselves from that situation. They need help. I needed help. (I even called the police, and received NO help from them. My biggest personal suggestion is to NOT call the police. I know that goes against conventional wisdom, but in my case calling the police did not help. Contact a SafePlace or similar organization.) Begin conversations. Help women feel less isolated. Offer community resources.

Don't be a bystander. Be an UPstander! Provide help.

Why Empowerment Matters

Domestic violence is very real and very scary. It matters to each and every person who has experienced domestic violence. What is most frustrating about domestic violence is that it is very often hidden in private relationships. It is not always as obvious as a black eye. The signs of domestic violence are much more nuanced and subtle. That makes it harder to counter.

What many people do not realize is that domestic violence is not always about physical violence. It is often more about coercion in order to gain power and control over someone. It may have elements of physical assault, emotional manipulation, sometimes control over finances, or maybe social isolation. It’s complicated. 

Why does empowerment matter? Because domestic violence is real. It happens in every community, every class, every culture. It is frequently hidden or difficult to identify. The victim is often in a position where she has been manipulated into a submissive status, and she is afraid to communicate in any way that something is not healthy or simply may not know or acknowledge that what is happening is not right. There is a myth that this is a private issue; the relationship is private and it is none of our business. That myth needs to be shattered to tiny little smithereens right now. It is not private when it is not healthy.

• 1 out of every 3 women are or have been a victim of domestic violence.
• Women 18 to 34 are at the greatest risk for experiencing partner violence.
• Most domestic violence incidents are not reported.

AVON Empowerment

Part of my mission as an Avon Lady is to empower women. My goals are to:

1. Help women find or develop individual beauty through beautiful Avon products, 
2. Help women be empowered to begin their own beauty business if they choose, and 
3. Contribute to the fight against domestic violence.

For Campaign 6, I will be focusing only on launching my first Speak Out campaign. Then, I will continue to support local domestic violence resources, reach out to help women in need of personal empowerment, and continue to promote Avon’s Speak Out program. 

The Avon Foundation has Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Programs that directly contribute to helping victims of domestic violence. To that end, they offer empowerment products and a portion of the sale of those products goes toward the Speak Out programs. 

Empowerment Charm Necklace

Faceted faux stone and silvertone disc with infinity symbol. 

$4 with $1 donation

Empowerment Butterfly Link Watch

Silvertone with faux mother-of-pearl dial. 

$20 with $4 donation

 

Empowerment 2015 Tote

100% cotton

$7 with $1.50 donation