It’s ironic that its Women’s History Month and we have all this discussion about Domestic Violence swirling around our most notable young woman celebrity. We have come so far as Women in our careers and personal lives. However, it seems that there is still a epidemic of great proportion that plagues some of us women.

I worked with women that were victims of Domestic Violence and it was heartbreaking to hear the stories! I think sometimes people forget that there are different forms of abuse, both physical (Domestic Violence, Rape, Incest, Female Genital Mutilation) as well as mental. Mental abuse can be just as scarring as physical abuse. Women are sometimes made to feel that they shouldn’t leave or nobody will be better than there current partner, and sometimes there is a comfort level, as unbelievable as it sounds, that they do not want to break. In 2009, none of these forms of violence against women should be occurring! Women and girls need to know that it’s ok to seek help to break this unhealthy cycle of violence. It’s not ok to stay in abusive relationships.

V-DAY is one organization that has dedicated themselves to ending violence toward women by raising funds and awareness through benefit productions of the popular Vagina Monologues, which I saw in London in 2002. V-DAY distributes money to organizations around the world that work to stop the abuse and violence of women. Check out their website for information about events in your area where you can volunteer your time.

Another great organization based right here in New York City is inMotion, Inc. This non-profit organization assists low-income women, that are victims of domestic violence, with their legal issues involving Matrimonial, Family and Immigration Law.

If you are a woman or girl being abused, please know that there is help for you! Check out the organizations I have mentioned as well as Safe Horizon, another great organization dedicated to assisting the youth as well as families that are victims of violence. You can break the cycle!

Domestic Violence Hotline:800.621.HOPE (4673)
Crime Victims Hotline:866.689.HELP (4357)
Rape & Sexual Assault Hotline:212.227.3000

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