~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

~Stop The Violence Workshop~

Like a flower, bloom into the beauty of you...petal by petal. You're a precious gem. Break the silence...Stop the violence! ~Diamond's House

Verbal and Emotional Abuse = Domestic Violence
Together Let's Break the Silence and Break the Cycle!

The Diamond's House Group and I are gearing up for The Stop Violence Workshop.  On next Saturday, August 13th starting promptly at 1p at at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum  http://www.vshfm.com/ in Portsmouth Virginia.

This will be a day of caring, sharing and the beginning of healing.  We will have uplifting speakers from the local and Maryland and DC area.  We will have discussions on the subjects of  Toxic Relationships (Liletta Big Sis Thompson, 3 T's (Time, Trust and Testimony- Baron Bsmart Howard, WAV (Women Against Violence- Diana Chappell Lewis) and much more.  We will hear accounts from victims who have endured domestic violence. There will be information on statistics,  awareness, resources and what we can do as friends and family for victims who may be experiencing Domestic Violence or Violence in general. We will have entertainment and light refreshments. 

This event is free and is suitable for men, women and teens. Please register at the below link for planning purposes. Please feel free to share with your family, friends and church members.

http://diamondshousestoptheviolence.eventbrite.com/.  Thanks in advance for your continued support of Diamond's House  http://www.diamondshouse.org/. We look forward to seeing each and everyone one of you next week.  God Bless!

Listen as Vince Most Wanted gives his prospective on Domestic Violence.

This young man will be one of the entertainers next week.

DH Domestic Violence Picture 

by
Octavia Wright