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Overcoming Battered Lives

We are launching this blog for all of you… those of you who know someone affected by domestic violence, victims of domestic violence, or anyone who wants to offer words of encouragement or advice. I became interested in domestic violence when my dear friend, Alice Morrin, lost her life at the hands of her husband. Alice was the victim of a murder-suicide. Her death is beyond tragic. However, I want Alice to be remembered for the amazing woman that she was and the warmth she brought to everyone. Alice will live on in the family that she raised, the friends that she loved, and the wonderful memories that she leaves behind. My hope is to help others who are going through domestic violence. Around the world, at least one in every three women has been physically or sexually abused during her lifetime. An estimated 3-4 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner every year. But domestic violence is much more than physical abuse. In fact, many battered women who are controlled by their spouse/partner have never been physically assaulted. Regardless, domestic violence should not happen to ANYONE! Remember, you are not alone, it’s not your fault, and help is available. We need to work together to end Domestic Violence.

Here are some warning signs I found on Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website…

Warning Signs

The following checklist may help you decide if you or someone you know is being abused.

Does your partner…

• constantly criticize you and your abilities as a spouse/partner, parent or employee?
• behave in an over-protective manner or become extremely jealous?
• threaten to hurt you, your children, pets, family members, friends or himself?
• prevent you from seeing family or friends?
• get suddenly angry or "lose his temper"?
• destroy personal property or throw things around?
• deny you access to family assets like bank accounts, credit cards, or the car, or control all finances and force you to account for what you spend?
• use intimidation or manipulation to control you or your children?
• hit, punch, slap, kick, shove, choke or bite you?
• prevent you from going where you want to, when you want to, and with whomever you want to?
• make you have sex when you don't want to or do things sexually that you don't want to do?
• humiliate or embarrass you in front of other people?

It you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be a victim of domestic violence. You are not to blame and you are not alone – millions of women are abused by their partners every year. In any case, you need not face domestic violence alone. You deserve help, and help is available by calling 1-888-774-2900.

Domestic violence does not discriminate against anyone at any age: men, women, teens and children. Tell us your story. Do you know someone affected by domestic violence? Were you a victim of domestic violence? This is a safe place for you to be open, so hopefully we can help others and save a life.