Yesterday I published a picture of Rhianna's battered face and my heart really went out to her. But then I thought, what about all the other women who become victims of domestic violence everyday. I have never been a victim of domestic violence but my mother was. And she made up in her mind that she would not remain in a situation with someone who could one day harm her or me and my two sisters. I do realize that at times when celebrities go through certain things that's when people want to talk about it and it becomes that "watercooler" conversation. But what about the women who live this life everyday, and don't have the money to leave their abuser, or a lawyer to defend them or access to the best hospitals to treat their injury's.
Here are the statistics of Domestic Violence according to the American Institute on Domestic Violence.
*85-95% of all domestic violence victims are female.
*Over 500,00 women are stalked by an intimate partner each year.
*5.3 million women are abused each year.
*1,232 women are killed each year by an intimate partner.
*Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women.
*Women are more likely to be attacked by someone they know rather than by a stranger
Every women who is a victim of abuse should have a "Safety Plan" according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
If you are still in the relationship:
* Think of a safe place to go if an argument occurs - avoid rooms with no exits (bathroom), or rooms with weapons (kitchen).
* Think about and make a list of safe people to contact.
* Keep change with you at all times.
* Memorize all important numbers.
* Establish a "code word" or "sign" so that family, friends, teachers or co-workers know when to call for help.
* Think about what you will say to your partner if he\she becomes violent.
If you or a woman you may know is a victim call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
You can also find valuable information on all the sites listed.
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