THIS CAN'T BE LOVE

I had a chance to talk the other day with a battered survivor.  Her many visits to the hospital suffering from repeated broken bones, frequent black eyes forcing her to wear makeup, and visions of the dark bruises hidden under long sleeve blouses when she went to work, brought tears to my eyes.  In addition to the physical proof of her pain, every day she was verbally and emotionally degraded, and made to feel less than the wonderful person I know her to be.

Sadly, her cries for help were ignored by her own family, as they demanded that she "deal with it". There were times when she lost all hope of survival. But she did. Despite the odds, she has been delivered from the nightmare, and has started a new life in the culinary field where she and her work are very much appreciated.  How I admire her strength, but more importantly, I'm glad she's alive to tell me her story.

Though we may never hear all of the details, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Domestic Violence includes abusive behavior that becomes progressively worse. (Emotional Abuse, Economic Abuse, or Intimidation.)

Domestic Violence most often occurs between the hours of 6pm to 6am.

Domestic Violence is the 3rd leading cause of homelessness among families.

South Carolina ranks #1 in cases of Domestic Violence and Louisiana is #2.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Domestic Hotline at 800-799-7233, where the phones are covered 24 hours a day.  If you live in NC, call the Domestic Violence Hotline at InterAct: 919-828-7740, and the Sexual Assault Hotline is 919-828-3005.

When you can safely, reach out to someone you trust, or call a crisis hotline.  We want to help you get a second chance at the life you deserve and are meant to have.