(This post was last update on: 3/2/2024.) Did you know that October is the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month? Probably not, it’s not something most people would want to think about unless you are directly dealing with it right now, and even then, probably not. NationalToday.com posted that every minute 10 people in America experience violence from their partner. Can you believe how staggering that number is?! With that many people experiencing such trauma daily, you would think this topic would be at the forefront of the evening news.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
I personally have never been in an abusive relationship, but I can see how it happens. Usually the dominant partner slowly creates an environment where they can abuse their partner whether it be physically, emotionally, verbally or sexually. It can begin with social isolation from your friends and family, then advance to financial dependence before any physical altercations ever happen. Once you are cut off from your support system and have no way to access money, you get stuck. And the whole cycle began before you even realized it.
My only attachment to this issue is having a friend that is currently in an abusive relationship. I have witnessed the text book maneuvers and tell tale signs over the past several years. But, at this point, I am at a loss of what to do. I feel helpless. I feel lost. I feel dumped by my best friend. I rack my brain on how to help, but until my friend wants to accept help, I don’t know that there’s much to do. Just stay on the sideline until the time comes that she decides enough is enough. If you have a better idea, please share in a comment below! Any help I can get, would be appreciated.
For those looking to get out of an abusive relationship, there are resources out there! In Union county there is a shelter for women and children called Turning Point. They can also offer emergency transportation via the county sheriff’s office, counseling, a children’s program, transitional housing, 24/7 hotline, advocacy and case management.
24/7 Crisis Hotline: (704) 283-7233
Turning Point runs several thrift shops in Union County called Second Chance Boutique & Home Decor. They accept donations which they sell to the public to raise money for their shelter and other programs. They also give victims vouchers to shop in the stores.
Second Chance Boutique Locations:
1201-B N. Broome St., Waxhaw, NC
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
2447 Old Charlotte Hwy, Monroe, NC
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m
2409 Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe, NC
Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m – 4 p.m.
Domestic Violence Resources
- North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- NC Council for Women
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline
