In addition to taking the Brave Woman pledge, we urge our community to speak out against violence, talk to your legislators, review the laws in your state and local municipality. Oftentimes, the laws are not strong enough to protect women and children and, in some case, are punitive.
Domestic violence is an ongoing patterned use of intimidation and coercion to establish a position of power. The control tactics can have a wide range of severity and could include a verbal insults, name-calling, threats of harm or violence, shoving, slapping, forcing sex, pulling hair, striking, beating and severe forms of abuse such as strangulation. Even a look of intimidation or forcing a woman to do something illegal or dangerous against her will is violent. At times, an abuser will threaten the children to get at their mother.
Without the support of the police department, justice system and legislative clout, every woman and child is at risk every day in a family violent situation. We can help change the laws, demand enforcement of the laws that are already on the books and keep awareness of domestic violence at the forefront in our communities.
Along with advocating for independence and safety for women, we can also speak out against bullying in our schools and other forms of intimidation that begin at an early age. The percentage of high school students who report sexual intimidation and violence on dates is increasing. Please be aware and take action.
Send us your ideas and ways we can all become advocates to end domestic violence.
