Domestic Violence; A Real Issue

The topic of Domestic Violence is one that is constantly swept under the rug in today's society. The gravity of this issue and my collaborating in the creation of an E-Zine designed to help address it, prompted this post. I am also currently pursuing training to provide counseling services to victims and offenders of domestic violence in the criminal justice system, so it has a special interest to me. There have been laws passed and bills created to punish offenders and to protect victims while assisting them in life challenges that result from being involved in these types of situations. However, are these avenues or resources really accomplishing the ultimate goal of rehabilitating the offenders and educating both them and the victims?
In spite of the primary intent of programs created for this purpose, most times they neglect to adequately address core issues that usually induce the behavior. Both offenders and victims need access to long-term counseling and guidance to truly recover and change. The temporary and brief services they sometimes receive can be compared to covering a gunshot wound with a band-aid.
I was a guest speaker and participant in the first Hurt2Healing Rally & March on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in July 2006. It was sponsored by Nation of Islam Ministry of Justice in collaboration with Rev. Kirbyjohn Caldwell. The theme was "From Hurt to Healing, Protecting the Essence of our Sisters", and it was an awesome experience. It was organized by men for women, and the men marched right along side of us. The most memorable part for me was when we ended the march at Reliant Arena and the men placed rose petals on the ground for the women to walk on going in the door. That was one moment I shall forever cherish because if a man never does it for me again, I can hold on to that memory.
I am a survivor of domestic violence and understand the helplessness of a victim and the damage that occurs to a woman's self-esteem. I can relate to how one can become comfortable in unhealthy relationships and not love themselves enough to leave. I also understand and am a living testimony that a woman can overcome that bondage and grow into a healthy person with positive self-worth. I am a firm believer that with the help of God and caring people that he places in our lives, we can get to the other side of any life challenge.
The E-Zine of which I spoke at the beginning of my post is titled "Hurt 2 Healing E-Zine, Overcoming Emotional Impediments to Inner Peace" and is published by Sis Ebony Muhammad. The new April 2009 issue was just published and I am a guest columnist as well as an advertised consultant. This small step to reach out to those who need help with this and other emotional challenges is one way I pay it forward.