|
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and I want to use this as an opportunity to highlight the issue.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, in families where battering occurs, the rate of child abuse or neglect is 15 times higher than the national average. Children may be hurt indirectly when their parent is abused. They can also be injured trying to protect their parent. CASA often sees the result of this abuse so it's important for us to be knowledgeable about domestic violence.
Here is some information from TDFPS that I would like to share:
Also known as "domestic violence," family violence is an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to cause physical or emotional harm. It is against the law in Texas.
The first step in stopping domestic violence is to recognize it. It's hard to accept that you may be battered by someone you love. Still, you may be a victim of family violence if:
· you are being pushed, shoved, slapped, bruised, kicked, strangled or threatened with a weapon.
· you are verbally attacked or accused.
· your possessions are intentionally damaged.
· you are not allowed to come and go as you wish.
· you are being followed, harassed, or spied upon.
· you are forced to have sex or perform a degrading sexual act.
· you are kept in isolation.
No one deserves to be abused.
If something about your relationship frightens you, or
if you or someone you know is suffering abuse in a relationship, please call:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TDD for hearing impaired)
| 
