The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is a grassroots organization advocating for leadership, mobilization, and amplification in order to better support efforts “that demand a change of conditions that lead to domestic violence such as patriarchy, privilege, racism, sexism, and classism.”
In America, domestic violence is the leading cause of death for women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth, which is the subject of a recent study and a very sad fact, indeed.
While we might think violence against women is a rare phenomenon, in fact, it permeates the fabric of cultures around the world from America, to Europe, to Afghanistan and Iran, and well beyond. This is a global problem.
At a recent luncheon in St. Petersburg, I heard (“Zi”) Abdul Hasib Azizi speak about his flight to America and the manner in which his family, specifically his mother and sister and continue to suffer under a repressive regime.
Patriarchal social constructions can take all kinds of shapes; both intimate and public, religious and secular. Perhaps domestic violence is the most insidious form of abuse but it is only one of many kinds of dehumanizing and violent actions that threaten women.
Here in St. Petersburg, there are a number of resources national and local that aim to support women victimized by violence. CASA seeks to stand up against silence by focusing on prevention through education and by offering emergency services to those in need. Alpha House helps new and pregnant mothers with housing, education, and supportive services.
The national domestic hotline is: 800-799-7233
*The banner for this blog was taken from one of our Silent No More Workshops, facilitated by Museum of Motherhood founder, Martha Joy Rose
