Empowering Lives: How Hands of Hope Supports Domestic Violence Awareness & Recovery

No one wants to believe that someone they know, or love could be living in an abusive relationship.

Yet statistically, one in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Or in other words, as the national campaign states: Every1KnowsSome1.

October is domestic violence awareness month which gives each of us an opportunity to focus on what domestic violence entails and how we can be prepared if someone we know, or love discloses abuse.

I recently had a conversation with someone whose daughter has been in an abusive relationship for years. She told me that after five years of trying to be supportive to her daughter, watching her suffer, her daughter may be ready to leave the abuser. She thanked me for reminding her over the years that it must be her daughter’s decision and what resources are available to help.

Domestic violence comes in many forms including emotional, verbal, physical, financial, sexual, technological, and religious.

A victim may suffer from one or more of those types, staying in an abusive relationship because they are isolated and unaware of Hands of Hope and support that is available to them. Other times they stay for the children or financial stability or fear or shame.

Many times, the abuse starts with emotional, and verbal put downs and name calling, the beginning of a whittling away of a person’s self-esteem and self-worth. The victim becomes isolated from friends and family, becoming increasingly dependent upon the abuser.
It may be weeks, months, or even years before the first physical hit takes place, well into the relationship and after the victim has been conditioned by the abuser to believe somehow the physical abuse is expected and warranted.

And you may suspect something is not right, but you are not sure what to say or how to assist. Or the victim denies anything is going on, again due to so many variables including embarrassment.

That is why it is so critically important for everyone to know about Hands of Hope and what we can offer for free and confidentially. It is also so important that everyone is educated on what a healthy relationship entails, to help our children and peers avoid abuse all together.

There are several ways a person can learn more about Hands of Hope such as giving us a call or connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, or our website.

Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/INHandsofHope/

Instagram page: @HANDSOFHOPE.IN

Website:  https://getradiant.org/hands-of-hope/

24 Hour helpline: 765-664-0701 in Grant County or 260-563-4407 in Wabash County.

By working together, we can collectively shine a light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence so that we can empower choice and cultivate hope in others. Remember, it is never easy to leave, but Hands of Hope is here to support that person when they are ready.