~Silence Is The Batterer's Best Friend~

Domestic violence does not discriminate! Domestic violence happens in all kinds of families and relationships. Persons of any class, culture, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age, and sex can be victims or perpetrators of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is one of the most chronically underreported crimes.  And  only one-quarter of all physcial assaults, and one-fifth of. all rapes, and one-half of all stalkings perpetuated against females by intimate partners are reported to the police.  Silence is the batterer’s best friend. And this has to change! We all must do our part to help break the Silence and the break the cycle against this hideous crime towards other humans!  No one deserves to be abused. Period. The only person responsible for the abuse is the abuser. It is not your FAULT! Physical violence, even among family members, is wrong and against the law. 
Please be mindful that, witnessing violence between one's parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next. Young children who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults. Thirty  to Sixty percent of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household.  If you and your children are currently in a situation of this kind.  Please work diligently to remove yourself.   National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
 There are many reasons why women may not leave. And not leaving does not mean that the situation is ok or that the victim want to be abused. Leaving can be very dangerous. So careful planning and consideration is needed to execute this task.The most dangerous time for a woman who is being abused is when she tries to leave. However, it can be accomplished...many victims do leave and lead successful, violence free lives.

Everyone deserves to be happy and treasured. Like a flower, bloom into the beauty of you...petal by petal. Break the SILENCE! STOP the VIOLENCE!  And always remember that you are a precious gem!


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~Everyone Was Empowered~

Diamond's House - Stop Domestic Abuse Awareness Workshop was a success!  It was a day of caring, sharing and the beginning of healing for many. Everyone was presented with purple ribbons as they arrived to signify that they are against domestic violence.    The powerful presenters really empowered the audience as they delivered presentations on the the following topics: 3T's- Time, Trust and Testimony (Baron Howard), Toxic Relationships (Liletta Thompson), We All Are Defective (Chris Barnes), Woman Against Violence (Diana Chappell-Lewis), Be Aware Of Your Surroundings (Katrina Riddick) and Trusting Your Intuition (Linda Kinchley).   The audience was also empowered by poetry, poems and mime. Amy Velazquez, delivered a powerful message, "Sorry, I  Love You" and Elora Artis also delivered a powerful message through the poem, "I Got Flowers Today" and 9 year old Malique Hawkins, perform an amazing mime performance to Kirk Franklin's song "Smile". 

There was candid dialogue among the group and the presentators.  It was a Domestic Abuse Awareness Workshop...however, this event touched on so many areas and everyone was able to leave with great take-aways.  It was an empowering experience overall for everyone!

Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible marks of scars or bruises.  It's devasting to be abused by someone that you love and who you think  loved you back. For every victim who thinks no one understands there are thousands who not only understands, but share in your pain and sorrow.  Always remember that you are not ALONE!  www.thehotline.org


Like a flower, bloom into the beauty of you...petal by petal.  Break the SLIENCE!  STOP the VIOLENCE! You are a pecious gem!

www.diamondshouse.org, www.keepelevatingyourself.com

Break the Silence

Verbal and Emotional Abuse = Domestic Violence
We must Break the Silence and Break the Cycle!

The number of  Domestic Violence victims is really on the rise.  It has been reported that one in four women(25%) are being subjected to domestic violence daily.  This is very sad, however it's a reality for so many women.  I personally have never experience domestic violence.  However, I have friends and family who have experienced domestic violence  and I've seen the life-long scars that are left with them both mentally and physcially. And it's not a pretty sight!   The sad part is we have friends, family and co-workers who are experiencing this daily and we are not aware of it.  There is no way to tell for sure if someone is actually experiencing abuse. 

 Those who abuse and those who are battered come  in all colors, genders, size, economic classes and sexual orientation.  Back in the day...some people use to think that most battered victims were passive with low self-esteem.  However, that's not the case these days and times. So it makes it harder for friends and family to identify the problem and offer assistance.  However, inspite of  trying to cover up these incidents; they may exhibit certain signs. So we should have our radars on.  If you notice unexplained injuries, personality changes, absences from work or school, fear of conflict, self-blame or anything that's out of character for your friend or family member...please take the time, to talk with them...and let them know that you are concerned with their well being and that you are there for them.

The conversation may be ackward...however, it could save someone's life. Let's all do our part to help bring awareness to domestic violence. 
Domestic Violence Hotline-1-800-799-(SAFE)7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224