Taking Steps Towards Awareness

    

From shoe drives to fashion shows, there are plenty of causes to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month. But to wear your support on your feet, there is a diversity of styles of footwear, like the SJP Alyssa Peep-Toe Bootie (above).

Carlita studded nubuck pumps

 Converse Women's Chuck Taylor Dainty Low Top Sneaker Shoes (Purple)

Suede pumps

Footnote: if you need to take steps for getting help, the number to call is  1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 24 hours a day. You are not alone.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

How To Stylishly Fall From Grace

Today is the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we all know that it is a cause that needs attention throughout the year. Since its inception in 1987, the first national toll-free hotline was begun as a lifeline to 9,000 daily abuse victims. 1 in 3 women will be affected by domestic violence in their lifetime.

Many make the mistake of thinking that physical abuse is the only definition.  My whole purpose in my  book is also what is listed on The National Domestic Violence Hotline website. Heed the warning signs BEFORE it turns physical:

• Telling you that you can never do anything right
• Showing jealousy of your friends and time spent away
• Keeping you or discouraging you from seeing friends or family members
• Embarrassing or shaming you with put-downs
• Controlling every penny spent in the household
• Taking your money or refusing to give you money for expenses
• Looking at you or acting in ways that scare you
• Controlling who you see, where you go, or what you do
• Preventing you from making your own decisions
• Telling you that you are a bad parent or threatening to harm or take away your children
• Preventing you from working or attending school
• Destroying your property or threatening to hurt or kill your pets
• Intimidating you with guns, knives or other weapons
• Pressuring you to have sex when you don’t want to or do things sexually you’re not comfortable with
• Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol
   

Footnote: If you need someone to talk to, the number to call is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 24 hours a day. You are not alone.

Donate Your Old Cell Phone To Domestic Violence Victims

In this fast-pace world of upgrades, we women can change cellphone styles as easily as we do our shoes.

But did you know your old cell phone can be a valuable lifeline for a woman enduring domestic violence?

Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine Program collects no-longer used wireless phones, batteries and accessories from any wireless service provider at their stores nationwide. Since 1995, they have been active in recycling, funding and contributing to victims of domestic violence and DV organizations.

They even make it easy for you to contribute: you can drop off your used phone to any Verizon Wireless retail store nationwide, or print out a free, postage-paid downloadable label for you to mail in your old phone for recycling.

So the next time you call up your girlfriends, plan a call to arms.

Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence

October is most often thought of as the month shrowded in pink awareness. Yet many are unaware that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, giving voice to up to six out of every ten women who have experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime worldwide.

Throughout the month, I will be featuring important news and awareness, as domestic violence is no longer a private issue that women have to feel ashamed about.


The Saving Promise Campaign, founded by third-generation domestic violence victim/survivor Y.L. Marlow, was created after Marlow's infant grandaughter named Promise was in jeopardy of being a victim by the hands of her own father. Marlow saw the immediate need to develop a movement and bring domestic violence awareness to the forefront.

To learn more about how you can become a sponsor or to donate towards the campaign, visit the website.