|
Great post. I'm looking forward to hear more about this program. I always had concern for DV issues, but I never truly understood the need for program and services until the issue "hit" home for me.
Domestic Violence has permanently changed my family. Though as Professor stated, "Each year, domestic violence fractures countless black families and claims too many black lives.", it seems that the issue is not given the weight it deserves. As a victim of domestic violence, I am astounded by the responses I get from other black women, the most common of which is : what did you do to him to make him hit you?
Seriously?!!?! Professional, intelligent women respond this way! To compound the issue, one must navigate the court system and custody system while dealing with all of the emotions of being battered by a spouse and the break up of a family. Admittedly, I was extremely difficult for me to hold everything together (raising my children school, and work) while attempting to ensure that my children and I would not have to deal with someone who may impulsively hurt us without provocation.
I really want to plan a discussion in my area of the issues and emotions that DV victims deal with in an effort to improve or streamline the reporting process. The victim's advocate office was OK but seriously lacking...
...Thank God for blessing me with the strentgth to deal with it and the skills to improve the system for future victims...
|