How to Participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month Online

Are you asking yourself how to participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month online? Today, there are more options that ever to get the word out. Standing behind survivors of sexual violence in April has never been easier.

Many of us spend countless hours every week on the internet using a variety of tools to communicate or just surf the web. We just may not have thought about how these tools could be used to help others.

This article has some suggestions to help you do just that. Do you want to help raise awareness for sexual assault awareness month online? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Twitter
It's easy to send messages about fun links or status updates about our day. Did you know that you can use Twitter to participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month online? Find your local crisis center and follow them on Twitter. Be intentional about re-tweeting their messages that speak to you to your followers.

Facebook
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center has created a list of status updates that can be posted. Choose the ones that you like and post them to your Facebook page or favorite social media site.

Digg
Get the word out during Sexual Assault Awareness Month online by using Digg. Add news articles or links from your local crisis center to their online inventory. This not only lets your friends know what you like but it makes the information available to a wide audience.

StumbleUpon
Add links and information to StumbleUpon. It helps others have an easier time finding out about Sexual Assault Awareness Month online. Using services like this one takes only a minute out of your day. It has the potential to make a huge impact.

Bloggers
As a blogger, you have a unique opportunity to reach a ready made audience. People follow your work because what you have to say is important. Creating a blog post to speak out about sexual violence is an excellent way to tell others about Sexual Assault Awareness Month online.

If an entire article won't fit with the theme of your blog don't worry. You can speak out on your side bar. Choose a statistic from the Rape Abuse Incest National Network or quote one of the status updates mentioned above.

When telling others about Sexual Assault Awareness Month online there is only one thing that you can do wrong. Sitting down and letting time pass you by without speaking out is the wrong thing to do. You are going to be online anyway. Why not speak out in support of survivors while you're at it?

This article originally appeared on the Yahoo Contributor Network and on Yahoo Voices.

Ramblings about the war on children in the U.S.

There is a war on children these days. The Sandy Hook shooting is the latest in what I'm concerned is the continued slow erosion of society. Victims of domestic violence often have to flee with children in tow. The lessons they learn lead many of these children to identify as either victims or abusers. Neither is optimal. Only, a few children will emerge from violent households as neither victims or abusers.

Violence isn't the only assault on children. Poverty is taking its toll. In 2010, 22% of children in the United States were living in poverty. This means that almost 1:4 children don't have the resources that they need. Along with this sad statistic is the fact that almost 8 million children are without health insurance. They cannot go to the doctor when sick and know little (if anything) about preventative care.

Then there is the "anything goes" attitude, gun control arguments, violence on video games and in music and movies, child abuse and drug abuse issues. We also need to get to the root cause of teen pregnancy, truancy and affordable childcare. Which are the symptoms and which are the causes are up to debate. Which came first? Was it the chicken or the egg?

How can we fight the war on children?  In my opinion, we all need to search out ways to better support families. Health care and mental health care should be made affordable and available to all families. I am not talking about places that charge on a sliding fee scale. Many parents will tell you that the scale rarely slides far enough.

Schools need to have the funding they need to provide these services. Problem solving is a skill that children rarely have the chance to learn. Teachers need to be able to teach without having to worry about "teaching the test".

Personally, I would like to see mental health experts in every school who can provide therapy to at-risk children and families. This may be the only way that children can get the help they need. I also think that parents need to have the education they need to get out of poverty. Whether it is college, tech school or another trade or career, children deserve to have educated parents.

Churches and religious institutions need to stand up and be unafraid to be churches. Youth groups, children's groups, programs for young mothers and fathers can be offered by churches. Many pastors will tell you that their flock is doing the best job that they can (including me). I applaud those efforts but I still think that we can all do more.

Obviously, fighting the war on children is a multifaceted problem. There aren't any good answers and I don't have any to offer. All I know is that children deserve to be loved, to live outside of the bonds of poverty and to be unafraid to go to school.

Is that really too much for a child to ask?

Memorial post for Susan Murphy - Milano

Please forgive my tardiness at writing this post. Some of you may have already heard that Susan Murphy-Milano went to her heavenly home on October 30, 2012. She was a powerhouse champion for the rights of victims of domestic violence if ever there was one. Susan will be missed by myself and by many others.

As I talked about in this article linked on RedGage, Susan also had no health insurance. Her struggle to cover medical costs didn't end with her passing. In addition to being an advocate for the abused, Susan Murphy-Milano was a published author. Her books continue to be on sale to improve the lives of victims everywhere. You can find them on Amazon.com and through her website.

As is her trademark, Susan asks that memorial donations instead of sending flowers. These donations will be used to help victims in crisis. More information about her and her life work is on her blog http://www.conqueringcancer.me and on the Murphy-Milano Journal.

Susan's passing has left a huge gaping hole in the hearts of many. No one will feel her loss more than her closest friends who became family members and the family members that are still here. I almost used the term "left behind" but changed it. That doesn't seem to fit with Susan. She may not be physically present with us but she lives on in the work we do, the people we serve and the victims that we help. In that sense, she did not leave anyone behind. She lives in and inspires us still.

Rock purple for Domestic Violence Awarness Month

There is a movement to rock purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On October 26, 2012, participants will post photos of themselves (or something) in purple. Hopefully, social media sites will be so inundated with purple that people everywhere will want to learn more.

I'm going to post a photo of myself in may purple shirt. I plan to hold a sign in front of me with a stat or fact about domestic violence. Failing that, I may post a photo of a teddy bear wearing a purple ribbon. Or, I might just post a purple ribbon with a statistic.

The possibilities are endless.

The official hastag to use on October 26 is #rockpurple4dv12. Let's join together to see how big of an awareness impact we can make. I'm in! Are you?

Education still key in Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Education is still the key focus during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A few weeks ago I was working a conference display on behalf of Hope for Healing. Org. The dwindling stack of brochures were encouraging but a few of the comments demonstrated that more work needs to be done.

Don't get me wrong. This was one of the better conferences that we have ever attended. Most of the people who picked up the information did so because they are at least somewhat familiar with family violence.

Things were different when we first began attending conferences back in 2002. People would pick up a fact sheet or brochure, glance at it and put it back on the table before walking away. Several times over, I was questioned on the need for the display. The task seemed so impossible that I wanted to throw my hands in the air and quit. But, I didn't.

A decade has passed since then. A stray comment doesn't happen as much anymore. Efforts like Domestic Violence Awareness Month every October give advocates everywhere a chance to catch the public's eye. It's easy to pass by a single table at a conference. It's a little harder to pass by the table, ignore the news article on the TV, click beyond the internet headlines and avoid people who are wearing the purple ribbons. And that, my dear friends, is why participating in Domestic Violence Awareness Month is so important.

Participating isn't hard and it isn't expensive but it is necessary. Set up a display in your church. Call a local shelter for brochures to put next to the office coffee pot. Tape a fact sheet next to the company time clock or add a line to the daily company email. Wear a purple ribbon.

These things are within the grasp of most people and aren't time consuming. We've made a lot of headway in the last decade. With this kind of progress the display might not be needed in another ten years. Wouldn't that be cool? It's possible and it can start with educating others during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

No excuses for Japanese diplomat charged with domestic violence

I just read where a Japanese diplomat in the US was charge with domestic violence. According to this AP article the violence against his wife included acts of pushing and shoving. As many anti-domestic violence advocates will tell you, the abuse often escalates.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse and control. As part of the abuse suffered by the wife of the Japanese diplomat the report says that her husband used a screwdriver to stab her in the hand. Clearly, if the abusive pattern started with pushing (as it often does) the stabbing is an escalation.

All too often, excuses are made that allow abusers to continue abusive patterns. What is interesting to note is that the Japanese officials are not making excuses. They don't seem to be providing counsel for the diplomat and they don't appear to be justifying his behavior.

Time will tell how this situation plays out. His wife showed extreme bravery in coming forward to the police. Apparently, he pled guilty in court.

Hopefully other decision makers will learn from this lesson. No one deserves to be a victim of abuse.The stand taken to correct the behavior of the Japanese diplomat sends a strong message. It's a message that advocates have been saying for years. No matter how much power a person has on the job, or what type of position they hold, abuse is always wrong.

My sympathy to the family of Susan Cox Powell

My sympathy goes out to the family of Susan Cox Powell. She has been missing for some time. Her family reports that information has been shared by recently by her two little boys. They say that the information indicates that she may have been the victim of domestic violence. No parent/grandparent should ever have to live with this.

Now, we they will never get the answers that they deserve. Her husband Josh Powell, blew up their Utah home. The blast not only destroyed the home but killed their two young sons. Reports are that the houses nearby were rocked and debris was found scattered for a wide area.

I cannot imagine living with this horror and pray I never do. It has to be worse, than the worst nightmare of any parent or family member. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Cox family. May you one day find your daughter.


Links
National Domestic Violence Helpline

Domestic Violence Awareness Month draws to a close

It's hard to believe that Domestic Violence Awareness Month has drawn to a close. It seems like the initiative for 2011 began only yesterday. Advocates all across the U.S., shelters and organizations pulled together for the cause. Together, we each did our own part to tell the public about the cycle of violence.

Hope for Healing.Org posted one social media update every day during October. These were tweeted, RT and posted on Facebook profiles. There is no real way to count the number of lives that have been reached. We'll never know the depth of how they were touched. The only thing that we'll know for sure is that we've all done our part.

But isn't that an amazing thing? For one month people across the country and across the globe pulled together for a common cause. I believe that it is this kind of effort that will one day bring domestic violence to an end. I also believe that we're off to a very good start.

Domestic violence and childhood from a survivor

How does domestic violence effect children in the household. Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story gives us a rare glimpse into the life of a child. Domestic violence robbed Lynn Tolson of her childhood. She could have chosen not to share her story with us. We would have missed the pain but also her joy in discovering that life is worth fighting for.

The number of children each year who are effected by domestic violence is shocking. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that as many as 10-20% of the children in this country are at risk for exposure.

As Lynn's blog can tell you the results are lifelong. Children who are exposed to domestic violence tend to have higher levels aggression than those who do not. The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence says that children can act as a parent substitute, withdraw, self-abuse or display other symptoms.

Domestic violence is preventable and inexcusable.

Today's status update is on children and domestic violence. Why not Tweet it or post it to your Facebook status?

Get the facts about children and domestic violence from US Child Welfare http://1.usa.gov/owdDni  #dvam 

Lets talk about churches and domestic violence

The role of the church in the prevention of domestic violence is one of my passions. That's why I'm deeply honored to be on the Susan Murphy-Milano Show today with Pastor Neil Schori.  It is critical that pastors become knowledgeable and recognize how to respond to victims. I've pushed this button since 2002 and now, almost a decade later, churches are beginning to tackle this problem head on. 

Programs like the Susan Murphy-Milano Show today serve to raise awareness of domestic violence on victims and a church congregation. I hope that you will tune in today. It promises to be an excellent program. The show is available as a podcast after the conclusion of the broadcast. Why not put it on your MP3 player or burn a copy to share with your pastor?

The show airs at 2:00 (EST) today at this link. http://bit.ly/q3LyXJ You can follow me on Twitter @gaylecrabtree to get a reminder just before the broadcast. Don't forget to tune in. You won't want to miss the discussion on the role of the church in preventing domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is October; are you participating

It's that time of year again. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is in October. At the time of this writing that's only two weeks away. This is an important month because it encourages everyone to focus on ending violence. The first step toward stopping it is to recognize the behavior and call it what it is – a crime.

Domestic violence, domestic abuse, family violence, intimate partner violence... These are all names for the same set of symptoms. This type of violence is about power and control that escalates over time. It's a learned cycle that can be prevented.

If we don't understand what it is we can't prevent it. Education is key and that's exactly what Domestic Violence Awareness Month is all about. Participating isn't hard. In fact, it can be as simple as adding the national hotline number of 800.799.SAFE at the bottom of your company newsletter or email.

An educational display in your office or church is easy to put together. Your local shelter can provide you with pamphlets or fliers. Or, you can download free brochures or other information off of the internet.

Jean's Day is a great way to help during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Donate the proceeds to Hope for Healing.Org or to your local shelter. The economy has taken its toll on programs across the country. Not only are employees educated about abuse but a jeans is a good way to raise needed funds.

Participating is also as easy as posting or retweeting status updates throughout October.

Repulsive Fluid Salon ads seems to promote domestic violence

This Fluid Salon ad appears to promote domestic violence. At least that's what came to my mind when I first saw it. Kudos to Copyranter for bringing this to the world's attention.

Everyone once in awhile an ad or video comes along that leaves me speechless. When I see something that appears to be completely stupid I want to pick up the phone and ask "What were you thinking?" With this Fluid Salon ad that seems to promote domestic violence I can't decide if I want to throw up or yell at someone first.

In the advertisement a well dressed woman with perfect hair is sitting on a couch. What appears to be a fur is draped across her shoulders. The man behind her looks like the cat that ate canary. It could be a picture of two people who are ready for a night out on the town.

One small detail is amiss in the Fluid Salon ad. It's not her hair or her outfit. It's the black eye that the woman is wearing. To many, showing any photo of a battered woman who is not seeking help is promoting domestic violence. Who would want that kind of advertising for their business?

The salon owner said she went with the ad to get people talking about her salon. She has her wish. People are talking about her salon. I just don't hear anyone saying anything good about it. To think that the owner is unapologetic seems to add insult to injury.

There are six ads in the series. One is of a woman who appears to be homeless. She is sitting outdoors on a dirty mattress and smoking a cigarette. The photo reminds me of a sex worker caught in a human trafficking ring. I think both are completely repulsive.

The only potential silver lining in this cloud is that now the owner of the salon will now donate to a domestic violence program. All that customers need to do is mention the Fluid Salon ad. Of course, some 'customers' will no doubt want to skip the salon in favor of directly donating to their local domestic violence agency.

A post from the creative consultant who created the campaign appears on the Fluid Salon blog. She writes that she is 'excited' about the controversy created by her work and says she never meant to cause any harm. Then she spends the next several paragraphs justifying herself and her work.

Her mother, a domestic violence survivor and former shelter director, chimes in at the end of the blog post. You can read the article here.

After reading the article, and seeing the advertising photos for Fluid Salon that seem to promote domestic violence, I just have to ask one question. Really, what were you thinking?????


View the photos here http://adland.tv/ooh/fluid-salon-look-good-no-matter-how-often-he-beats-you-what

Tax extensions may help victims of domestic violence

Sometimes we just need a little extra time. Even the IRS knows this and has guidelines in place to give tax filers a little extra breathing room to take care of their filing obligations. Of course, you do have to the file the irs extension form 2009 to ask for the extension.

I am not a tax professional by an means. For a person with average tax knowledge these forms can be a challenge to fill out. Consulting professional help and reading an irs extension guide can provide you with the information you need to file or to make a decision.

Knowing about the extension may be good news for victims of domestic violence. When you are involved in a crisis situation or are leaving a dangerous relationship the last thing you want to think about is taxes. It may help to know that relief may be available. After creating a safety plan and getting to a safe location the IRS tax extension may be a breath of fresh air.

If April rolls around and you think you may need a tax extension talk with an advocate. He or she may be able to steer you toward a professional who can help.

Donate used scrubs to domestic violence programs

Guess what the last thing is that people donate to domestic violence centers? It's scrubs, lab coats and other medical uniform items. The medical uniforms aren't needed all of the time. When they are needed they're needed badly.

At my day job with an area nonprofit one of the things we encourage our clients to do is go back to school.

Victims of domestic violence are sometimes unsure of themselves when they make a major life transition. Almost all need to improve their financial situation. I believe that getting an education is the best way to lift a family (or individual) into a better financial position.

It's not uncommon for the people we work with to choose jobs that give back to society. Often times they opt for positions such as a lab tech, nursing assistant or nurse or other job in the medical field. The problem is that all of these jobs require scrubs.

There's another good reason to donate your used scrubs to domestic violence programs. Victims who are in the medical field and have to leave may no longer have access to their medical scrubs. Without a uniform they may not be able to keep their job for long.

Do you buy from a company like http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/ or have scrubs that you no longer need? Give your local domestic violence center a call to see if they need them. The outfits and medical uniforms that are donated can give domestic violence victims a real hand up when they need it most.

Read more...

I was there when "trigger warning" started
About Gayle Crabtree

Past abuse doesn't have to claim on your future

The other day I saw a photo of a lady who meant a lot to me. She passed away a few years ago. To this day I remember how she looked right before she died.

The photo that I'm referencing was taken when the lady was young and just beginning her family. From the day the photo was taken to the day she passed away she looked like she hadn't aged a day. Most of the time that statement is a complement. Not this time.

That's because she already looked much older than her years dictated. Missing is the radiance that most new mothers have. Gone is the expression from her face. Instead, she stands limply beside her husband. She resembles a rag doll or robot much more than she does a young woman.

Looking at the photo breaks my heart. I have heard the stories of abuse that she suffered while growing up. She used to say that she found healing in her marriage. Looking at the photo makes me wonder if she ever found what she was looking for.

There was help available but she wouldn't take it. Our relationship spanned more than a decade. She talked about counseling and knew it was there. Stubbornness kept her from trying counseling and I think that's what I mourn for her the most.

But, the decision to try counseling rested solely with her. Even though I feel that it might have helped it was her decision and hers alone. I encouraged her and I don't judge her. She was a wonderful person. I'm sad for her because, even though she was liked, her relationships with her family and friends suffered.

Abuse might have claimed your past but it has no right to your future. If you are free from abuse don't be her. If you think that counseling might help don't be afraid to try it. Crisis centers and shelters often have counseling and mental health centers offer it on a sliding scale. It might just help.

Can a traveling bear raise awareness of domestic violence

Can a traveling bear raise awareness of domestic violence? This advocate says yes. 

People who know me quickly realize that I am passionate about my family, advocacy for victims of sexual or domestic violence and traveling. Finally, it looks like there is a way to combine all of these.

Stuffed teddy bears have comforted children for years. Where Bear Traveled raises awareness of domestic violence in a fun and unique way. 

Panera Bread in Turkey Creek
Farragut, TN 

When I visit places to write a review about food or travel a stuffed bear is going to go with me. His photo will appear in many of my travel and restaurant reviews.  People can follow our journeys at my You've Been Reviewed blog.

Purple is the awareness color of domestic violence. That's why a purple bow features prominently in the photos. Later, I plan to add a sign that reads 'stop domestic abuse' or something along that line. 

Where Bear Traveled reinforces the statistic that tells us 1:3 women will be a victim of abuse in her lifetime and that 1:6 men will be abused. It also reminds people that 'it happens here'. 

Traveling takes its toll on people and on little stuffed bears. A forever home will be waiting at the end of each journey. We'll keep the sign but the bear (and any souvenirs) will be placed in a reusable tote bag and donated to a shelter. Staff members at the shelter may give it to any child or youth that needs a little bit of comfort.

As a survivor, it is my hope that other survivors will hear about Where Bear Traveled and be encouraged. This message is simple. No one deserves to be controlled or battered. There is life beyond abuse. Be sure to follow our journeys at You've Been Reviewed.

Join us for the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Speakout

Sexual assault and domestic violence prevention are the top goals of every advocate. We try to accomplish this in different ways. Certainly, speaking opportunities and local outreach events are often used.

Raising awareness is the first step in sexual assault and domestic violence prevention. These days, advocates have another tool in our arsenal. Social media is helping advocates get the word out about domestic violence prevention like never before.

There is some overlap between the two crimes. Too often, sexual assault can be a component of domestic violence. Prevention is possible but to prevent the violence we must get the word out that abuse is just not cool.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Social media status updates are going to be posted on the Hope Blog daily. They are calling it a Speakout and as far as I can tell it’s one of the first few events of its kind. It's an easy way to help make prevention possible.

Bloggers will find that the status updates are helpful topics for blog articles. Those of us who are on Twitter have a convenient way to do our part in sexual assault and domestic violence prevention.

The updates have been kept short enough to be posted directly onto Facebook or to your favorite social media site. Tweeting the status updates to your followers or retweeting our posts will help.

You can follow me on Twitter or Facebook. I will be doing my best to support the cause and help with sexual assault and domestic violence prevention. How about you?

Have you heard about teleclass training on domestic violence

The organization that I run is doing something new. Have you heard about the teleclass training on domestic violence? It's geared toward clergy and church workers who want to learn more about abuse but can't leave the office.

Classes begin in April and run for several weeks. At the end of the clergy teleclass on domestic violence each participant will get a certificate of completion. A manual is also included in the course fee. This is great for referring to later! Plus, this is the only way to get the pulpit helps, bulletin inserts and skit that come with the manual.

The manual can be received in .pdf form or by hard copy. For those who want both, the organization is going to make hard copies of the domestic violence training manual available at a reduced rate.

This is the same packet that was used at the Holston Conference Clergy Gathering in 2009. The information has been updated to bring you the most current information for 2011. This clergy training on domestic violence is the perfect time for a refresher course if you need one or to learn about domestic violence the first time.

Don't think of this course as "911" styled training. Hope for Healing.Org plainly states that this will help church workers minister more effectively to victims that are already within the congregation. The course will help clergy and church workers identify victims and their families.

I hope that  you sign up for the teleclass training. They're offering it at an introductory price of $35. Some scholarships are also available. Be sure to register soon.

Answering why I'm writing about debt

Someone emailed me the other day and asked why I'm writing about getting out of debt on my blog. Since I'm an advocate, she said that she was surprised that there's not more on here about domestic violence or sexual assault.

Actually, that's part of the reason that I'm writing about finances.

Most people who know me also know that I'm a survivor of sexual assault and child abuse. My mother felt that she couldn't afford to take care of my brother and myself. Homeless, the three of us moved in with her parents until we were old enough to move out on our own.

My first contact with a debt collector was when I was 14. Mother was overdue with a payment to my pediatrician. When the letter arrived she made me phone the office to deal with it. A good lesson on debt management? Not!

Paying off my bills will be impossible without extra income. My lifestyle and health don't permit me to take a second job. Writing for online sites is done based on my schedule. I don't make a lot of money from any one particular site but I make some. With the price of gas these days every dollar helps!

Many sites allow you to write under pen names. This will protect your identity while allowing you to earn some income. Writing isn't for everyone. My hope that my story will inspire other abuse survivors to hang in there and not give up.

The blog is also a way of holding myself accountable to myself and to my readers. Every time I can move a bill from "due" to "paid" it makes me feel better. My believe that it can be done is being lived out on these  pages. To me, that's encouraging and hopefully you'll agree. If I can find a way to write myself out of debt, you can too!

Getting the faith based community talking about domestic abuse

If we’re going to slow the spread of abuse we must start getting the faith based community talking about domestic violence. Advocates across the world know this but we also know that bringing clergy and church workers to the table is easier said than done.

Since the mid-1990s I’ve worked with anti domestic violence and sexual assault programs in two states. I’ve also had the opportunity to speak in several states and in Washington, D.C.

Over the years there has been a shift in the willingness to get the faith based community talking about domestic abuse. At the same time, there has been an increased willingness on the part of churches and faith based organizations to get involved in the fight to end abuse.

The collaboration isn’t perfect yet but it’s much improved. In order to become survivors, victims need and deserve both spiritual support and secular support. Over the next few weeks we’re going to look at ways this gap can be bridged. Along the way, I’ll also give some concrete ideas that you can take back and put into use in your local community.

Before we get started let me say that this series is being written with advocates and local sexual assault and domestic violence programs in mind. This has been the background of my work for almost 20 years. Police based agencies and coalitions are welcome to use these practices too.

I was able to get my home church involved with a women’s homeless shelter in the early 1990s. This was a big deal then and the ladies of both places enjoyed the experience. After that experience (and after being sexually assaulted later) my calling expanded. Once again, I was able to help bridge the gap.

In 2002, the organization that I work with set up a display at the conference of a large mainstream denomination. Reactions were mixed. I came away with the feeling that getting the faith based community to talk about domestic abuse would be impossible.

Now, it is 2010. I’ve helped plan and have led in a workshop that was attended by hundreds of clergy. My family jokes that I’m always traveling. I’ve worked domestic violence awareness display tables, spoken and raised awareness in churches across several states.

No matter which side you are on there is one important thing to remember about getting faith based programs to talk about ending domestic abuse. That is, to remember that it can be done.

We’ll be discussing more about bridging the gap. First, let me pause to say that it is imperative that faith based organizations read this link about the cycle of domestic violence.