October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

[evile]

Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2012- Where Do You Stand? Courageous Bystander Pledge Campaign Do you know anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence? Have you ever gotten a feeling about a couple you knew, that maybe something wasn’t quite right between them? Have you ever seen violent incidents between partners? Do you know what you would do if you did see it happen? Domestic violence can sometimes be difficult to spot, but 1 in 3 Texas women and 1 in 7 men report being in abusive intimate relationships at some point in their lives. In observation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are launching the Courageous Bystander pledge campaign to encourage the community to pledge to be proactive and visible supporters of safe and respectful relationships. By acting as Courageous Bystanders, we dispel the myth that somehow the violence is the victim’s fault. We also work to change attitudes and beliefs that support domestic violence and encourage all community members to be responsible for ending domestic violence. Pledge to be a courageous bystander, and ask your family, friends and colleagues to pledge. You can: Go to the SafePlace website and pledge on-line Pick up printed pledge cards and purple ribbons (available in English and Spanish) at the SafePlace Resource Center  Print pledge cards and mail or fax them in In addition to pledging, we encourage individuals, businesses and community groups to host a Bystander Dialogue, Bystander Training, information booth or other community education presentations on domestic violence.   For more information on how you can get involved please contact Amy Allen.

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Comments

[bramblekite.livejournal.com]

This "Courageous bystander" idea intrigues me greatly.

I am not exactly sure what is meant by this, or how to go about it.

I have witnessed tremendous outbursts of verbal and emotional abuse and, like everyone else around me, ignored it, changed the subject, quietly moved away from the couple having their 'spat'....

What should I have done?

http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/actionguide/help-someone-your-community-who-experiencing-verbal-emotional-or-physical-abuse

?