This is what Domestic Violence looks like

Today is White Ribbon Day which aims to stop violence towards women. It is reported in New Zealand that 1 in 3 women experience physical and/or sexual violence from a partner in their lifetime. In Australia it is reported that “Between 80 and 100 Australian women die at the hands of their male partners every year – and a  woman in Australia is more likely to be killed in her own home by her male partner than anywhere else or by anyone else.”  (*The ABS Personal Safety Survey 2006)

These kinds of statistics are horrifying and as the mother of three daughters I wish nothing more than to see these statistics change significantly.

Domestic Violence takes many forms, it is not just a man physically beating a woman. All forms of domestic violence are devastating to a woman, her confidence, and her well-being. Domestic violence is not limited to a single socio-economic group, a particular suburb or ethnic background.

You probably have a friend right now suffering domestic abuse but you don’t know it, they are experts of maintaining the “public facade” … hiding what happens behind closed doors.

A dear friend of mine recently confided in me that she was a victim of domestic abuse, and had been for the 6 years I had known her. I had absolutely no idea until that moment and it broke my heart to discover she had been suffering for so long. That conversation was a turning point for her. She has now left this abusive relationship with her two children. My beautiful friend, if you are reading this … you know who you are, I love you heaps, and I am so proud of you. You are an amazing woman and deserve the very best life has to offer.

I recently picked up a brochure at my local medical centre which describes all the different forms domestic abuse takes. I wanted to share this with you as a way of increasing awareness.

If you are experiencing any of these I implore you to seek help and support. Nobody deserves to be treated this way, especially you.

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