Today (February 2nd), the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) hosted a discussion and rally at the state capitol. GCADV urged the state to work actively against domestic abuse and to continue funding essential services for victims (1).
Domestic violence is an important issue: Georgia has the 6th highest rate of men killing women (2) and the 15th for domestic violence in the nation (3).
Violence against women is not only a problem for women. Domestic violence hurts entire families and communities.
Womenshealth.org suggests these ways you can help:
- Call the police if you see or hear evidence of domestic violence.
- Support a friend or family member who may be in an abusive relationship. Learn more about how to help.
- Volunteer at a local domestic violence shelter or other organization that helps survivors or works to prevent violence.
- Raise children to respect others. Teach children to treat others as they would like to be treated.
- Lead by example. Work to create a culture that rejects violence as a way to deal with problems. Speak up against messages that say violence or mistreating women is okay.
- Become an activist. Participate in an anti-violence event like a local Take Back the Night march. Tell your congressional representatives that you want them to support domestic violence services and violence prevention programs.
- Volunteer in youth programs. Become a mentor. Get involved in programs that teach young people to solve problems without violence. Get involved with Choose Respect or other programs that teach teens about healthy relationships.
- Ask about anti-violence policies and programs at work and school. At work, ask about policies that deal with sexual harassment, for example. On campus, ask about services to escort students to dorms safely at night and other safety measures.
Domestic abuse can be physical and emotional, and should never be underestimated or ignored.
Tags: domestic violence, GCADV, Georgia, violence against women
