I haven’t even started this post and my eyes are filling with tears. I’ve spent the evening stressed to the max, moaning about my life and the responsibilities that come with raising a family. The dishes need washed, little boy puked all over his bedding, then he pooped all over the next set of bedding, baby girl is teething, I can’t get five minutes to myself, I can’t even pee alone. I have posts due. This post. Then, it hits me. I have a post to write tonight, a post I’m writing in honor of a beautiful woman who never got the chance to have a family.
How petty can I really be?
Now the tears are really rolling down my face.
Two years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to write this post. At that time, I lived in my little bubble where domestic violence was just something I saw in movies or heard about on the news every once in a while. It certainly had no impact on my life. It took the loss of my 28 year old cousin, Monica, to open my eyes. It still cuts like a knife. May 19, 2010 forever changed my life.
Did you know one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime? That, my friends, is a heartbreaking statistic. If you are currently that woman, please know that you are not alone and that there are people who want to help you. There are people whose life mission is to help you and women like you.
I am proud to team up with BraveWoman.org to spread the word about this new site. You’ll find resources to get help if you need it or ways to give if you are willing.
Since Monica died, I’ve worn a shirt with her face on the front and “STOP Domestic Violence” on the back at least once weekly. It’s seems like a small thing, but I hope that if someone sees me wearing that shirt and they are in a dangerous situation, that they’ll reach out to me and let me help them. I’ve donated to the cause, I’ve bought shirts, and I’ve written to my local representative. I won’t stop. I can’t stop. I have to do these things for her. I know that none of this will bring her back or heal my heart, but it makes me feel just a bit better to know that I am making certain that her death was not in vain.
What will you do today to be a Brave Woman?
In my next post, I will share specific ways that YOU can help. If you have ideas to share, please do so in the comments.
I am a Brave Woman, because of her. I only wish that she was here to see me take a stand against domestic violence.
You can find Brave Woman on Facebook and Twitter.
This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All thoughts and emotions expressed remain my own.
Oh Whitney! I’m so sorry for the loss of your cousin. Domestic violence is a tragedy and I hate that it is not treated more harshly by our legal system. Too many times there are warning signs and yet nothing is done. We will keep fighting until ALL of our voices are heard!
Oh, I bet that you have already made a difference in someone’s life! I am so sorry to hear about your cousin. What a beautiful girl. Thank you for sharing about this and I look forward to your next post.
Whitney, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring others. I was in an abusive relationship.. I got out. I was strong enough to see it get worse and even in my worst hour, I walked out. I left the only life I knew, with nothing but the clothes on my back (he had hid my keys, purse and phone before bed). I woke up to go to the bathroom, he remained still asleep and I took off out the door. In the middle of the night. It very well could have been the only chance I had, right? I look back and I am so happy I did it. I am so much better and so much stronger. I wish every woman had the power (and chance) to get out! ((HUGS))
Thank you for your comment, Bobbie. I am so sorry you had to go through that, but I am so thankful that you were able to find the courage and strength to leave!
I am so sorry for the lose in your family. This is a hard issue to face because it seems to be hidden so well by many!
Thanks for posting about this cause!
Beautifully stated!! Keep up the good work!! I’m sure she’s smiling down on what you are doing!
Oh wow, I’m so sorry for your loss. I think it is great that you are talking about this issue. Many people think that it doesn’t exist or don’t care about it because it may not happen in their family. There are many people experiencing this and it needs to be discussed. Thanks for posting about it.
This is so sad, it made me cry…what kind of a person takes beauty from the world because of their own anger and violent moods? It’s horrific.
[…] Be a Brave Woman. Stop Domestic Violence. How YOU Can Help. January 6, 2012 By Whitney Leave a Comment As promised, here is the second installment for the Brave Woman campaign. You can view my first post and learn about why I’m fighting to stop domestic violence. […]
I’m so sorry you lost your cousin. When I was only in 6th grade, I too lost a cousin to an extremely hideous and violent act from men she trusted. She was in high school and was very close to my older sister.
Keep holding up the torch and leading others to do the right thing…help others see the way to a better life. (hugs)
I’m SO sorry for the loss of your cousin. I know she’d be so proud of you for joining this campaign. What a great way to honor her memory by wearing a shirt that brings awareness!
You must know how much what you are doing means to Monica and how much it means to this campaign. Your commitment to making a difference in her name is inspiring! (tears)
I am so sorry for your loss. She was soo beautiful. You are being brave by standing up for domestic violence. Passion should always inspire our actions, and that is what you are doing. You will change lives and all in her name.. Your story brought me to tears. I shared it in a post of personal stories on my blog- I am a showcase blogger and really want to reach as many people as we can. I feel your story will do that. Thanks fort sharing.
I completely understand, been there. Thankfully, I survived and escaped!
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