A Way to End the Cycle of Domestic Violence

A Way to End the Cycle of Domestic Violence

This is in response to an article I read today called Children and Abuse at www.healwithin.com that talked about the difficulties that children of abuse face as a result of domestic violence.

Domestic violence (DV) crosses all socio-economic boundaries.  Its impact is felt economically, emotionally, physically, mentally and spirituality.  Violence in the family leads to violence in the world. Violence in the family gives rise to dysfunctional organizations where the family dynamic is repeated.  To heal our society, we must begin to heal the self. When one suffers, we all suffer.  When one person heals, the cycle is interrupted.

It is possible to break the cycle of domestic violence. As a volunteer for more than a decade at A Window Between Worlds, (www.awbw.org), I have seen first hand the impact of art on healing the past and creating space for a future.  I thank AWBW for their ground breaking work, and for the caring that touches so many lives.

All of us are touched by domestic violence ( DV) or trauma in some way.  Healing is a process, and for 20 years, AWBW has provided free art leader training and art supplies to DV programs.  Last year 60,000 participants in 25 states were helped to speak the unspeakable through the creative arts.  AWBW programs are art for healing, not art therapy.

Even a single workshop can have a life-changing impact, helping survivors young and old find a sense of safety, connection, and vision for a violence free future.  Although 63% of boys age 11 – 20 who commit murder kill the man abusing their mother, there is a positive path through trauma.

What children do with that they have witnessed is critical.  One 7-year-old boy witnessed a lot of violence in a short time. When he came to the shelter was violent and angry. After a particularly violent outburst, a shelter leader had him do the “Monster in Me” art project. When he was finished, he saw that his monster had no ears.  The boy said that since his monster couldn’t hear, he didn’t know he was yelling.  The child had a complete turn around when he put a face on his anger, and a better understanding of his feelings.  He then became a mentor to the new kids and encouraged him to share their feelings as well.  Today he has left the shelter and both his teachers and mom say he is able to express his feelings in a healthier way. A single workshop opened the door for a healthy relationship with himself.

Thanks to Lisa Boubari and her staff for their wonderful vision and commitment to bringing prevention and natural approaches to health and well being.  Victims of domestic violence spend years being invisible. Thanks to A Window Between Worlds, and the many other organizations who are bringing hope to those in time of need.

If you, or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are many organizations that are willing to help.  If you would like to help AWBW, please visit their website at www.awbw.org

“Listen to your heart, and let it speak it’s truth.  In that truth is the seed for change.”  I invite you to become part of the change.  If you or someone you know has dealt with domestic violence, it is possible to grow, learn and embrace the beauty of life and who you are.  All you need is to to take that first step.

 

Visionary Leadership, Social Change and You

Visionary Leadership, Social Change and You

Window's participants


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Powerful Women Make a Difference

You could have heard a pin drop as the women shared their stories and their hearts.

Over 100 powerful women gathered last night to hear Marianne Williamson speak about her upcoming workshop in LA.  What impressed me most is the commitment of the the group to whom Marianne was speaking, the Los Angeles Chapter of First Tuesday. Spearheaded by Marcy Cole, Ph.D, First Tuesday USA has an intention to create and expand a vibrant and diverse community for extraordinary women. Inspired by an Oprah challenge, Marcy, a Los Angeles based psychotherapist, also founded The First Tuesday Circle of Giving. Coming together monthly for dinner and speakers, the women of First Tuesday unite networking with heartfelt service to those less fortunate.

Women-power was palpable as several members rose to share their goals for helping others.  Tasia, a young mother of three, is committed to adopting 100 orphaned children.  To date she has adopted 22, as a result of her connection to SOS Children’s Villages.  Thirty dollars a month is all it takes to help a child find a mother, siblings a home, and a village.  To learn more or to adopt a child, go to:  www.sos-usa.org/inspired

SOS was founded in 1949, and they now have almost 500 villages in 132 countries, including the United States. More than 73,000 children are being raised in their villages. Through their programs of education, family strengthening, medical care and outreach programs, the lives of over 1 million people are being impacted each year. What impresses me the most about SOS is their commitment to the family structure. The orphans get a mother, all siblings stay together, so that family ties are sustained and strengthened.

Once a year the First Tuesday Circle of Giving selects a financially challenged or homeless family  as part of a service project. To see videos of their projects, go to  http://snipurl.com/u9z9n. In addition, First Tuesday also donated to A Window Between Worlds (www.awbw.or) an organization dedicated to using the creative arts to help battered women and children end the cycle of domestic violence.  Last year their generous donation benefited a domestic violence shelter in Tulare County.

I’m especially grateful to First Tuesday for their gift, as I’m currently board president for AWBW.  During the last 10 years as a volunteer for AWBW, I have experienced first hand the power of art to end the cycle of domestic violence. What a joy to be in connection with those who choose to give back and help make this world a better place for us all.  Regardless of who or how you choose to serve, just do it.  Your life will never be the same.

Never underestimate a group of determined women to help others!

Why not take the service challenge?  It has been said that service is the highest form of loving.  The way to open up to more abundance is to expand and give your gifts away. They can only return to sender.