"A Field That Has Rested Gives A Bountiful Crop"

The family and I are off on a short holiday. This tired body needs a rest. A rest that will hopefully, eventually help with the creative mind, the strength to play, and the motivation to live.

Here is where I shall spend most of my time:

And here:

I might spot one of these:

I'll definitely be wining and dining on this every night:

I might come back with this body:

Ta-ta....

Image credit HERE

Because Violence Against Women Is Just Not On

Today I'm Speaking Out about White Ribbon Day. You can get involved or read other blogs by going HERE. "This event date is strategically set to lead into International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov. 25. One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. The aim of this event is to bring awareness to the cause and encourage victims to speak out and seek help." ~ Wanderlust.

My post today will reflect on the other victims - their children.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I've been fortunate to have a father who is a good man and a husband who is a great man. I've never been scared for myself. I've never been put in a situation where I had to protect my mother, my sister or my son. Although my personal life has seen its own trials and tribulations, it is the work that I do for young people that has opened my eyes to the reality of domestic violence. A position I wish I never had to be in, but nevertheless a position that allows me to support and advocate for young people who in particular, have experienced domestic violence first hand.

As a youth worker for 17 years I have come across many young people who have sought my help. I can't count the amount of times I have wiped away tears, offered information and advocacy, sat in a dreary court room or held their hand in the hospital emergency room. Their reasons for seeking me out is to find someone who they can trust and talk to about the relationship breakdown of their parents. How they stepped in between them, trying to stop dad from bashing mum. Having to call the police on someone who they love. Feeling alone, desperate and victims themselves.

Such beautiful souls that I have met during my life and my career. Such innocent young people who should never have had to be put through this horrible situation in their young lives. Some left their families and became homeless, abusing drugs and alcohol to try and forget. Others now living in single parent households, free and safe. The very few who through counselling and intervention now live happily with both their parents. Whilst others still struggling to stop the violence.

“Nobody believes that domestic violence kills and nobody believes it is detrimental to children. This world has got to wake up. To me, if there is domestic violence, if the children see it or hear it, that to me is detrimental". ~ Denise Brown

Thank you Wanderlust for creating the Speak Out campaign.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

For information, support, a safe place, advocacy and how to end the violence,

Please go HERE.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~