Domestic violence is real and we can longer sit silent, it's time to let your voice be heard and raise awareness on the prevalence of domestic violence.
What is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence is the willful act of intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. The whole goal of the abuser is to invoke fear and gain power & control over another individual. Domestic violence is a learned behavior that can be unlearned. However, the roots of abuse must be clearly identified and replaced with renewed values in the heart, mind, & soul of the abuser.
Why Do We Care?
- One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
- An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.
- Females ages 20-24 are at the greatest risk.
- One in every seven men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
- An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the U.S.
- Thirty to sixty percent of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children.
Why Should You Care? Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affect all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, age, race, religion, or nationally. Physical abuse is often accompanied by emotionally abusive controlling behavior as part of a larger systematic pattern of dominance and control. The results of domestic violence can cause physical harm, emotional trauma, and even death. The impact can be seen across generations and last a lifetime. Generational abuse is damaging because it likely continues, as the abused may become the abuser. Domestic violence is never an accident, violence is never an isolated behavior.
How Can You Help? We all can play a part by speaking out, getting educated on the topic, and supporting survivors. Domestic violence is not going away any time soon unless we speak up and take proactive measures to bring awareness to the issue. We must teach/model what safe & healthy relationships look like. I believe what surrounds us shapes us and our personal life experiences. The behaviors modeled before us typically have a stronger influence on our behavior than the facts and information that we have on an issue. Therefore, it is up to us to shed light on the issue of domestic violence. We must begin to educate those around us, which is one of the core missions of Scentful thoughts Candle Co. We want this platform to be a safe space for survivors and supporter to heal, receive resources, and be empowered.
What people don't always realize is that things are not just miraculously resolved as soon as the relationship ends. Dealing with the impact of abuse can be just as grueling as the actual relationship. Domestic violence is a destructive crime that creates life-altering damage for all involved. We will use this platform to be the light for survivors of domestic violence, and shine the light on the issue for others awareness.