1) Abuse of power
2) Substance abuse
3) Physical
4) Mental
5) Verbal
6) Sexual
7) Religion
8) Financial
9) Cyber
If you talk to or listen to experts on the subject, you will find there is an escalation of these. People from every gender, age, and ethnic background are affected. There are states and countries with various organizations or out-reach campaigns promoting awareness and services.
However, many thousands remain silently victimized ashamed, afraid, and unwilling to come forward to share their story due to fear of retaliation, disbelief, or support of the legal system, family and friends.
Making a radical change is a start but how does one begin? How does one make that leap to talk?
Perhaps you have not been directly affected by abuse have you ever wondered how you can help?
Supporting all involved is an excellent start. Writing to your local government officials to begin to make a change with legislature to help victims, start programs to educate those that are abusers, or revamping the current programs.
See what support your local community does to promote activities for those in need, such as fundraisers or events.
Share stories from victims and Survivors. Donate your time and talents to your local shelter. Consider donating items that are desperately needed for both the guests and shelter.
Pray and listen to victims, Survivors, and even the abusers. Empathy for the abuser sounds odd I’m sure. There is a cycle of abuse that began at some point in that person’s life, triggered by substance abuse, a medical condition, or being victimized. This doesn’t give an excuse for the behavior or justify it. It can help find help and break the chain of abuse.Finding an end to abuse is the goal of ending many senseless murders, assaults, and injuries. We are still a long way from meeting this goal but it starts with each one of us to make change.
To watch the video that started out the series about abuse here- What are the types of abuse?
