This October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and as someone who has grown up in a household where domestic violence was prevalent, I wanted to help stand up for women and men who are on the receiving end of such behaviour's. Domestic Violence should be spoken about more openly for survivors and those currently in difficult circumstances to understand that they are not alone, that they can have a life outside of the manipulative and cohesive behaviour.
I want to start by sharing some figures with you that actually shocked me, even in this day and age people are afraid to step forward and away from those causing them trauma.
One in 6-7 men and one in 4 women will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Boys who witness domestic violence are 2 times as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.
Last year 2.4 million adults were victims (1.7 million women and 699,000 men).
Women are more likely to experience repeat victimisation, be physically injured or killed and experience sexual violence.
A domestic abuse related call is made to the police every 30 seconds.
It is estimated that less than 24% of domestic abuse crime is reported to the police.
You can found out more statistic here.
We are only just touching the surface of Domestic Violence and we need to start thinking bigger, change needs to happen to stop the cycle of abuse. Children witnessing this abuse on there parents are more likely to continue the cycle of abuse. This anthology is all about raising awareness and funds to help a charity here in Leicester, supporting victims of domestic violence.
"Living Without Abuse believes that all people have the right to live safely and without fear of violence and abuse. On this site we offer information and advice to anyone experiencing domestic abuse and/or sexual violence. We can also provide support services to anyone living in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland. We are committed to raising awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence, working towards its prevention and eradication, and assisting those affected by this crime to determine their own lives."
With this cause being so close to my heart it was important to get the message out, and let those suffering at the hands of an abuser that they aren't alone, that help is out there! We need to remember that domestic violence isn't always physical there isn't always marks, it can be controlling or cohesive behaviour that slowly demoralises, making the victim lose there freedoms, feeling trapped, alone and unworthy. BUT THEY ARE NOT ALONE THEY ARE NOT TRAPPED, they can all find help and support and we need to support the charities trying to make a difference!
Some facts about Cohesive and controlling behaviour: The types of behaviour associated with coercion or control can include:
Isolating a person from their friends, family, colleagues
Stalking their movements or controlling how they spend their time
Monitoring social media accounts or tracking their mobile phone
Making unreasonable demands
Taking control over aspects of a person’s life, such as where they can go, who they can see, what they wear and when they can sleep
Depriving them access to support services, such as healthcare
Repeatedly putting them down, telling them they are worthless
Taking control of a person’s finances, giving them an ‘allowance’ or forcing them to take on debts
Taking food away or limiting food, this can be connected to saying they are overweight
Making threats or using intimidation to force a change in behaviour or choices; this can include sex too
Damage to property, such as destruction of household goods and valuable personal items
Preventing them from having access to transport or from working
NEED HELP NOW WITH DOMESTIC VOILENCE
Living in the UK? Find help here:
Living in the USA? Find help here:
Living in the AUS? Find help here:
1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732 (Available 24 hours, 7 days a week)
https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/helplines/
We have teamed up with some incredible authors to bring you Domestic Violence stories, please be advised that these may be difficult to read, I have given the authors free reign but asked that they make sure there characters are Warriors, because all victims of domestic violence are survivors! These are now available for pre-order check them out below:
Breaking Free by Nicola Jane (A Domestic violence story)
I don’t remember the first time it happened. That’s a lie. I do remember, because you never really forget that first slap.
One bad decision led me straight into the lion’s den and my life was changed forever. Dante Anderson is cruel, cold, and evil, and the second he turns his attention to me, I know I’m in danger. Though I never imagined the life he would force upon me. I never imagined the misery he would cause.
Now, I’m married to a man I hate and I can never escape from. He makes sure of it.
Until Nero. Sweet, kind Nero shows me what life could be like away from Dante. Away from the violence and pain.
But I never was good at choosing a man, and when lies are revealed, I’m left fighting to break free.
Amber's Fall by Tracie Podger (A Domestic violence story)
In the blink of an eye,
A murder was committed.
In the blink of an eye,
A life was extinguished.
In the blink of an eye,
A victim loses her mind.
In the blink of an eye,
She has the sweet taste of freedom.
But it’s all gone…
In the blink of an eye.
Amber Stowley was a stay at home mum, wife of a successful businessman. She had a perfect life, new cars every two years, holidays aboard, an abundance of friends, and wished for nothing.
Except for one thing.
Amber wanted just one night where she could sleep soundly, peacefully, and without fear.
Just one night was all it took for Amber to fall.
What Doesn't Kill You by Elle M Thomas (A Domestic violence story)
They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Danni thought that was a phrase used to describe the suffering of other people. Never did she consider that one day she might be the 'other people'.
With an idyllic childhood, a gift for academia, and a desire to become a doctor, nothing was going to stand in her way. And then, one fateful night an attractive man with an easy smile, natural charm, and an apparent sense of chivalry changed that.
Follow Danni as she finds her perfect life and future unravelling in a most painful and traumatic way.
Just how much can she survive?
Wilted Flower by Sienna Grant (A Domestic violence story)
Your childhood should be the best years of your life, or at least that’s what people say.
Mine weren’t.
There were so many occasions when I wished things were different. A different father. A better life. Someone to love my mother the way she deserved. To be nurtured by a father the way other kids were.
But again, it wasn’t for us, and some have to learn the hard way. My mom was the light of my life. A bright flower in such a dark world. Unfortunately, her petals wilted along with her will to fight.
But while I tried to survive, I found a new kind of family, a family of brothers guided by sin.
It was my time now.
Sins Of The Father by Kate Bonham (A Domestic violence story)
Enough is enough.
He’s changed. My husband has turned into a monster since he became head of the Gallo crime family. I refuse to be his punching bag.
I can’t let my daughter see that. I can’t let my daughter think it’s okay to let a man do this.
The only way to be free is to take him out. And show my daughter that she is the master of her destiny.
All funds from the books will be donated to the charity during the 12 months. If you are concerned about the triggers within the books but would still like to donate and make a difference you can do so here.