Craftism - National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

I'm one of the lucky ones. I've been blessed with an abundance of love, gentleness, and support in my life. But many of us aren't that lucky.

Did you know that 1 in 4 women have experienced domestic violence in their life? That up to 6 MILLION women are survivors of a domestic violence episode each year? That domestic violence effects all women, regardless of race, and socioeconomic status? Click the link to find these statistics and more from the Domestic Violence Resource Center

The facts are staggering, and sobering.

Many years ago I had the opportunity to intern while in college at a domestic violence and sexual assault center. It was my first experience with women and children who were in crisis, and it changed me forever. My first job after college was as a resident manager in another domestic violence and sexual assault center working with women and children seeking a safe refuge from violent offenders.

These women were just like me. Only stronger. Braver. Their children resilient. They worked incredibly hard to break the cycle of violence that had haunted them. They learned life and job skills that would get them back out into the world, supporting themselves and their children free from fear and violence.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Now through the end of the month, 20% of all sales in my Etsy store will be donated to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, an organization devoted to improving community response to domestic violence and stop its occurrence completely.

If you don't feel like purchasing something you can make a donation directly to your local area domestic violence and sexual assault center. To locate a shelter near you please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.

Because love shouldn't hurt,
Simple Mama