Domestic Abuse Awareness Month
October is Domestic Abuse/Violence Month. All abuse is violent in one way or another, but I think many victims don’t speak up because they don’t feel their abuse qualifies. I prefer the term abuse myself. It feels more inclusive.
I have been pretty open about what my marriage was like and the effects it’s had on me. On October 5th, it will be 4 years since I walked away. 4 years since I said I wouldn’t live like that anymore. It’s been a long fucking road!
One of the things I focus on a lot in this blog is awareness. I also focus a lot on healing, but awareness is key to prevention. The more awareness out there, the more people understand what red flags are and how to avoid toxic relationships. Growing up.. no one ever discussed with me what a healthy relationship should look like. I had plenty of examples of dysfunction, I had my mom who was amazing, but this was a topic she struggled with as well. She couldn’t teach me what she herself didn’t know.
I want to challenge everyone in this community to do something this month to spread awareness. Whether it’s blogging, talking with a friend, discussing toxicity with your children, (please do that) having a conversation with co-workers… however it feels comfortable to you if you at all can. I realize, especially for survivors, this may be something you aren’t able to tackle and I certainly don’t want to ask you to do something that will trigger you. Here are a couple other ideas that may help you feel like you are contributing.
Donate to your local RDAP, women’s or homeless shelter. A women’s shelter will only focus on female survivors, however the other two should include all genders. This can be in the way of money, clothing or any number of other items. Good ideas…
1. Diapers and wipes
2. Formula
3. Toiletries and hygiene products (Shampoo, toothbrush and paste, soap, pads)
4. Cleaning supplies (Detergent, dish soap, Lysol)
5. Household items (Coffee maker, toaster, lamps, blankets, dishes)
6. Comfort items (Candles, bubble bath, stuffies, body wash)
7. School or art supplies
8. Cell Phones
9. Coloring books, crayons, magazines, books
10. Any baby items (bottles, pacifiers, lotion, toys, rash cream)
11. Make up (It will help with both self care and job hunting)
12. Toilet paper and paper towels
13. Gift cards
You can also donate time. Can you put together a list of places that are hiring? That can be passed on to make a job hunt easier. Can you help cook meals? Perhaps you can offer to help with a fundraiser. You may be able to help sort through items. You can bake some goodies and drop it off. You could write a letter of encouragement to a survivor and ask that it be delivered anonymously. Are you artistic? Shelter walls are often very bare. Maybe you can paint a picture that can be hung. Could you offer to help clean? Or you can call and simply ask if they have a special need. Maybe someone needs a ride an appointment you may be able to provide.
If you are still struggling to cope and don’t feel there is anything you can do.. then I want to challenge you to reach out for help. That may be in the form of counseling, a trusted friend or family member… but take care of YOU. YOU are important and you deserve healing. Spend some time journaling, cuddling with your stuffies, get a manicure, take a bubble bath. You can contribute to this month by taking care of a very special survivor. That is YOU.
Tagging some friends to add awareness. @instructor144 @dinodaddy @bellandherbeast @tooprettytolive @defiantslv @magpie-69 @itsshinycollectordestinyworld @itsallprimal @daddyandhislittleprincess11102 @thesubmissivewithin @kittencalledwolf @reflectedtruthsblog @kittysparkleslove @goodgirlsdoresearch @goodhotwife @naughtycurious1977 @littlephoenixkitten @moonchild8914 @belladonnamoon @babygirl-1972 @mrbear215 @sincardinality @collaredinpearls @nurseaware @thenerdybrattysubmissive @daddybrad80 @moonbeamsofstarshine @wickedlysexy121 @alaric1960 @inmydominantopinion @stilltied2thetracks @baggyandkitty @baggys-little-kitty @herliegespetkitten @kurious17 @willtattoo @feelingsgoulash @amysubmits @crusoesampersand @lelica011 @todayiamasbt @daniredux @bluepi @like-i-need-a-hole-in-my-head @absinthe-minded @shadyskit @hedonist-woman @f1n4llyf0und @resilientnymph @megstastic @feistyredhead79 @the-mindful-kitten @rainydaygranolagirl @discovery72 @tribe and so many more.
Check out my tags for advice on leaving and healing from an abusive relationship.
areudirty
pixelskylines
vaporwave
tangentwithtanner
gummygunk
