My post today will reflect on the other victims - their children.
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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.
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For information, support, a safe place, advocacy and how to end the violence,
Please go HERE.
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Thank you so much for posting this, Athena ... as a former board member for my county's domestic violence agency, I have seen the wreckage first hand, and it is devastating. I hope that we can raise awareness to prevent this from happening, and empower more people to speak out when it does.
ReplyDeleteOh, I don't even want to think about all the things you have seen ... but I know we need to, to speak out and make a difference. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding people about the out-ward growing ripples that domestic violence creates, touching children, parents, family and friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog!
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder that domestic violence affects children the worst!
Thank you also for taking part!
The child's story is one that also needs to be told. Thank you for sharing your wealth of experience with us.
ReplyDeleteSerious topic and good on u for speaking out! I guess you see a lot of 'bad' in your work, but knowing there is someone out there like you who has a heart of gold, it's reassuring that good people can still make a difference. In my previous job I was there to split up the fights and wipe the blood. I don't think I ever saw a victim NOT return to the offender. The vicious cycle that DV is..
ReplyDeleteGood on you for speaking out... this is such an important issue. I deal with this in my work too and it breaks my heart every time... esp when children are involved. Love to you always xoxo
ReplyDeleteThankfully there are people like you about who work with these kids and setp in to make a difference
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for adding your voice to the Speak Out initiave. I can't imagine what you've seen as a youth worker. I don't think I'd have the strength to do that. Thank god there are people in this world who are the guardian angels to children going through such hell.
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