While I have been blessed with amazing people in my life and never heard those words, "you're worthless," I have family members and friends who have, my mother and sister have been affected and been strong and reached out for help. My mom didn't get much help back in the 1950s...men weren't censured for violence against their wives then. But she set her own limits and left when they were crossed. My sister asked us for help and we gave it, and she was strong in asking. There's no shame in being abused and no shame in asking for help. We all deserve to be safe.
In fact, you, too, probably know someone affected by domestic violence...33% of women in this country have been abused in some way by people they love. That's unacceptable.
It saddens me that home, which should always be a safe harbor and a place to get away from the slings of the world can be a hostile, angry and frightening place for women, men and children.
If you'd like to help in a crafty way, Becca will be collecting birthday, thank you and encouragement handmade cards (left blank inside) for a nonprofit agency that provides emergency shelter and lots of services for victims of physical and sexual abuse in her town. God bless them for doing this important work. Read more on Becca's blog here.
My purple project (purple is the color for National Domestic Violence Awareness month) is made with Distress inks and water, along with Dylusions spray inks, a star die cut and silver glitter, because glitter to me means happy and I want everyone to get a chance to feel happy on their birthday.
If you or a loved one is in need of help, you can call this hotline for someone who understands. You are not alone.
1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 1.800.787.3224 (TTY)
Chark
What a great card! The statistics are alarming. What strength your mother mush have had in the 1950's as DV was not discussed.
ReplyDeleteCute card, love the sparkle!
ReplyDeleteThe die cut stars and background look fantastic and I love your silver sentiment. Great idea providing the hotline phone numbers on your post.
ReplyDeleteI love the sparkly sentinent and your reflections in how everone deserves happiness on their birthday - as well as feeling safe in their home every day of the year.
ReplyDeleteReading through the blogs of Hoppers is one of the most eye-opening things because you're right- almost everyone either knows someone who has experienced domestic violence or has been a victim themselves. Your card is so beautifully inky- love that starry background!! Thank you for raising your voice in support of victims of domestic violence at the Hop to Stop.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your family story. I love the bright and sparkle on this card. Sure to make anyone smile
ReplyDeleteOooh! Sparkly, purple-y inky goodness! Your card looks amazing!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I have a magnet on my fridge which reads: My favorite color is glitter!
I'm gonna need that magnet! :)
DeleteThank YOU for sharing your story...your card is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story about your Mom and Sister! I hope they continue to stay strong and be safe! You are right that you home should be your shelter! I love all the stars on your card!
ReplyDelete