Encouraging, Supporting, and Connecting with Our Community
When I think of community, awareness is one of the first things that comes to mind. We can’t support one another without being aware of what the needs of the community and its members are! This “Awareness” hub is our way to help give direction and support to connecting with people who may need help, uplifting, or even a little extra love today. These causes inspire us and help us take action to do what we can to connect with those around us.
Courtney Clark, HeyNN Manager
Creating Awareness
Creating Awareness
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Spotting the Signs Before it’s Too Late
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. All around the world, people are abused and taken advantage of by close and intimate partners every day. According to thehotline.org, 12 million people in the U.S. experience some form of domestic violence each year. That’s over 28% of the U.S. population!
Domestic violence is a real issue for many people around the world. Often, it’s hard to understand what people around you are secretly struggling with. Anyone could be a victim of abuse. It can happen to people of any gender, age, race, or culture. And this month focuses on the people with partners that display a pattern of abusive behavior to gain or maintain power and control over them.
However, this abuse can be stopped early if we notice these signs and point them out:
• Persuading or coercing you into doing things you don’t want to do
• Acting overly controlling or possessive of you
• Touching you in ways that make you uncomfortable
• Threatening to hurt you or someone you love
• Lashing out in a burst of anger
• Manipulating or gaslighting you
• Attempting to instill fear within you
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of these signs, please reach out and get help. One way you can do this is by calling (509) 525-2570 for support or guidance from the YWCA office in Walla Walla.
While it is important to recognize the issues and dangers, it’s also important to know what a healthy relationship looks like:
Treating each other equally
Respecting each other
Feeling safe and secure
Communicating honestly while listening to each other
Supporting each other’s values and goals
Making decisions together
Being willing to sacrifice or compromis
Call (509) 525-2570, if you or a friend are in need of support
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or chat online at The Hotline
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a reminder for us all to check in on ourselves and each other and ask if we might know anyone who is experiencing signs of abuse, and to reach out a helping hand to them. Not only that, but we must stand together and work to prevent these horrific things from happening in the first place. After all, we’re meant to love and care for one another, not put each other down and allow inhumane things to happen to others.
Click here for additional information
Click here for additional information
Click here for additional information