#Every1KnowsSome1 Who Has Experienced Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month — a message to our community from Hope House

We’re told to not talk about it. We’re told that it never happened, that we’re crazy or we made it up. We are told that it wasn’t that bad or that it’s our fault. That no one will believe you. We don’t talk about domestic violence.

But who wins when we don’t talk about it?

To be able to support survivors, and to prevent domestic violence in the future, we all need to normalize talking about it openly and candidly. We need to tell our friends and family, coworkers and acquaintances they are worthy of respect, support, open communication, trust, honesty, and equality. We need to tell someone that we believe them, it wasn’t their fault and they did not deserve it.

Don’t let domestic violence thrive in silence.

Talk about healthy relationships and respecting boundaries with those you care about, and share resources like www.LoveIsRespect.org with the teens in your life.

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic abuse, call Hope House’s 24-hour free and confidential helpline at 1–800–584–6790, or visit the Hope House website at www.HopeHouseSCW.org.

— Amanda Deppe, Youth Educator/Advocate
Hope House of South Central Wisconsin