This article from Domesticshelters.org reminds us to change the current domestic violence status we must act!
Is “Awareness” of Domestic Violence Good Enough This Month?
How to back up well-meaning ‘slacktivism’ with action
In 2015, The Atlantic published a piece called “What Good is ‘Raising Awareness’?” They brought to light several good points: While the number of awareness days is on the rise—the U.S. has almost 200 health awareness days and counting and there are almost just as many causes to be aware of monthly, according to Wikipedia—there is a lack of research as to whether or not awareness days do much good for the cause beyond giving people a bandwagon to jump onto.
Writes the article’s author Julie Beck, “Social media activism … often amplifies the voices of the marginalized. On the other hand, changing your profile picture for an awareness day … might just be the smallest possible unit of support for a cause. If not backed up by money or deed, it’s little more than lip service.”
But the article points out, “slacktivism,” or the passive way of raising awareness, isn’t all bad. It makes people feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves, a community, and makes them happy.
That’s a start.
But what really needs to go hand-in-hand with just saying there’s a problem is changing the issue that causes the problem. As author and psychologist Lori Day wrote in her #YourVoice piece, “Philanthropy Isn’t Always Sexy” for DomesticShelters in 2016, “Doing domestic violence work is very expensive [but] … fundraising for domestic violence is not glamorous.”
If we were to borrow a phrase from our troops, it means boots on the ground are needed. Talking about domestic violence, as we do on this site, is important. But during this Domestic Violence Awareness Month, consider taking it a step further. That might mean making a donation, volunteering, calling one of your local politicians to lobby for changes in the law or organizing your own, unique project that you think will motivate others to do more than change their profile pic.
Some ideas on how we can take action:
1. Educate yourself. Would you know if a friend or family member was being abused? Know the warning signs! Read HAVEN’s FYI emails, pay attention to news stories, read books and articles. Our community needs to be educated regarding domestic violence to change the status quo.
2. Pledge to stand up to Domestic Violence. Pledge to stand up to those things which contribute to our rape culture, one that perpetuates domestic violence. Pledge to stand up to people who tell sexist and degrading jokes, to lead the conversation about healthy relationships and more.
PLEDGE TO STAND UP TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Take the Pledge:
→ Speak up if you hear excuses for violence or victim blaming
→ Treat your partner with respect
→ Always challenge abusive behaviors
→ Never assume they’ll be okay
→ Direct, Distract, Delegate or Delay
Stand Up to DV – Psyko (mcadv.org)
3. Support local efforts. Attend an event. Donate to our local shelter or volunteer.
4. Get your purple shirt ready for Purple Day next Thursday 17th! 😊
Everyone wearing purple at the All Staff meeting will win a prize!
Let’s act this October!
Our advocates are here to help!
