Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2015
Every year, during the month of October, the US recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Established by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month educates and encourages communities to help put an end to domestic violence. Globally, women aged 15-44 are more at risk from rape and domestic violence than from cancer, car accidents, war and malaria, according to World Bank data. But there's also a global misconception that domestic violence victims are restricted to women and young children. And while women and children are statistically most at-risk, research shows that domestic violence impacts women, men, and children of every age, background, and belief.
At TYO, we recognize the huge need to help educate mothers, through The Women's Group (TWG). In TWG seminars we discuss the challenges facing women in the home - including the relationships between herself and various family members. Domestic violence has been at the forefront of numerous TWG seminars and many women have shared their personal stories as victims of violence.
There are several ways we at TYO can best support these women:
- Connect women to various resources available in Nablus to support domestic violence victims, including women's shelters
- Encourage mothers to break the dangerous cycle of abuse plaguing children
- Educate women about the psychosocial ramifications of domestic violence
- Provide mothers with the tools necessary to educate children in the home about domestic abuse and personal boundaries
As women in Palestine are the primary care givers, we understand that educated, empowered mothers raise healthier, more well-rounded children. Be sure to watch this video below to see how children react to violence - we hope you're as inspired as we were!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2OcKQ_mbiQ