[In awe of TV]

Domestic violence still is a subject that is still difficult to speak about. There is an abundance of misunderstanding regarding domestic violence. So many people think it's a cut and dry issue. If anyone is educated about DV, you know it's a very grey area, a very, very complicated issue. People don't want to talk about it and don't want to get involved even though it affects all genders and all social economic backgrounds. DV is not exclusive. It's called a silent disease, the subject is hushed, it takes place behind closed doors. A DV victim is embarassed, humilated and demoralized. DV victims are perceived as weak. Who wants to admit that?

Many victims do not have cell phones, transportation, money, or access to TVs or access to the outside of their home for that matter! They are helpless and hopeless. Some escape with only the clothes on their backs. Courage is needed to pursue freedom. Sometimes it's just easier to return to the abusive situation. It's so complicated.

You will notice that TV commercials are saturated with information on ways to stop animal abuse posting support/donation phone numbers and websites. This movement is truly wonderful and accepted!

You rarely see commercials or any advertising for donations for funding of State DV shelters. Yet, a DV murder is televised everyday!! Statistics show that 1 in 4 women are victims of DV as well as 1 in 14 men; 3 women are killed every day, and 8 children are orphaned.

Unfortunately, DV is also a cycle passed down from generation to generation and many victims do not have the peer or family support as DV is accepted. I agree that if DV education were to begin in the schools as early as kindergarten it could possibly break the cycle and give children knowledge of empowerment, and maybe even stop bullying.

I volunteer by answering the Crisis Hotline in a DV shelter and I facilitate a DV group session. Funds are very limited and these shelters are dependent on community/corporate donations. Thank God for them! Every shelter in the ATL area is full to capacity.

Fortunately there are many success stories and fortunately the DV police responders are being better educated. Unfortunately, it's an uphill battle to end DV.

Every State needs a movement to predominately post their DV hotline number and make it available to anyone in need or ensure that help can be achieved by dialing 911.