DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FACTS POEM

(Domestic violence facts are following the "*" asterisk mark)

*One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

Ladies, look to your left and then to your right, a woman in this place has been a victim of domestic violence.

* Ninety-five percent of domestic violence victims are women.

Women, hold you head up.....we as a neighbor in your community, can and will decrease this percentage.

* Children are also victims.

To the child that hides in the closet after the abuse is over, we hear you. Domestic violence has no age requirement!

* Two out of five women are murdered by their husbands or partners.

As the preacher says, "Ashes to ashes and dust to dust".......my sister, we place this white flower on your grave site yearly, in remembrance of your presence. May your soul rest in peace and may God bless your soul with eternal life. You will never be forgotten!

* Battering often occurs during pregnancy. Thirty percent of victims have been physically abused while pregnant, making domestic violence of the leading causes of birth defects.

Pregnancy, another beautiful gift from God. Your abuser doesn't see it that way. Instead, he uses your pregnancy as an excuse to violently hit, kick and punch your stomach. Leaving the child that passes through the birth canal already damaged and torn in life. Or worse, the child never saw the light of day.....he/she died inside the mother's womb.

* During the six month period following an incident of domestic violence, approximately thirty-two percent of women are victimized again.

A woman will leave her abusive partner at a minimum of six times to only return to because of his sweet sounds of "I'm sorry, I promise I won't hit or hurt you again." But we know the ending to this story.......he does hit her again, and again, and again........

* Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors and tactics used by one person over another to gain power and control. (www.mass.gov)

If you or a loved one is in an abusive relationship or marriage there is help call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800)799-7233

BREAK THE SILENCE!!!