October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month and it turns out there is a lot out there to be aware of. Today’s Mail Tribune’s front page article:
A voice for the dead
With 7 women and children killed this year in Jackson County because of domestic violence, Ashland woman says more people need to speak out.
We rarely hear about the bulk of cases of domestic abuse (which includes children), except when it is too late to help. Jackson County officials are now funding programs to intervene with education after first calls of abuse. This is great but we need more. We need to speak out for funds for programs to intercede before people not only get their lives ruined, but actually get killed. Don’t we owe that much to these women and children?
We seem to be stuck in a male dominant violent cycle in our culture. It will take every one of us speaking out to change this. Speak up when people are inappropriate about violence. Write or call TV stations when they air shows that depict overt control or violence against weaker people. Protest movies that glorify violent behavior towards others, especially women and children. Teach you children to treat others with respect. Don’t make jokes or allow them to be told in your presence that demean women or sexuality.
Why? Because it’s wrong! People’s lives are being destroyed and people are being killed at an alarming rate. And those of us that understand that need to teach others that it is wrong and it has to stop.
If you live in Southern Oregon you can attend a rally today Saturday October 29, on domestic abuse.
I have read the books Cut and You Don’t Know Me. It’s Kind of a Funny Story’ by Ned Vizzini is a book about staying in a meatnl hospital. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things’ by Carolyn Mackler is about a girl with self-esteem issues. Crosses’ by Shelley Stoehr is about a self-harming teen. Girl, Interrupted’ by Susanna Kaysen is a book about the author’s personal experiences which include ******* attempt and a personality disorder. I Can’t Tell You’ by Hillary Frank is a book about a boy who thinks talking makes trouble so he stays silent and communicates with other ways such as writing.