Giving Hope to Adults

I know it's been a while since I posted and there are many topics that have come up over the past couple of weeks to choose from. The previous post was about giving hope to kids; this time it's giving hope to adults.

This issue is near and dear to my heart and stems from a couple of conversations I've had with people about the importance of domestic violence prevention or breaking the cycle of violence. Through the research I've done to obtain corporate sponsorship (still looking), a majority of donations are made to three main categories: kids, healthcare, and education. All of them are very important; however, I feel strongly that adults must be given the same amount of attention as the kids.

As a community we see the value of children in their innocence, trust, and helplessness to help themselves in unfortunate circumstances. Absolutely, they have no control over their environments and as adults, we MUST get involved to help as a community. However, once they become adults, they are seen as damaged goods. How unfortunate.

I believe differently about survivors and victims of domestic abuse. The adults are just as valuable and important as the children in breaking the cycle of violence and more help must be made to them in way of prevention as well as services. Some of the most dynamic, inspirational, and powerful individuals who don't just talk, but take action to help victims are those who have been there. If we can help the adult women and men change from survivor to thriver, they can become the most influential and strong advocates for change.

There is NO age limit on when a person can be healed and prosper. In fact, the more adults who become prosperous and healthy individuals, the more they can make a difference in the lives of children. After all, they have been there and know exactly what it feels like and what needs to be done. Remember when you fly on a plane? The flight attendant says to put the mask over your face before putting it on the child's face. Take that analogy to DV and you can see that rehabilitation for the adult abuser and help and healing for the adult victim MUST be addressed to stop the cycle of violence. Especially if they have children involved, which is common. Don't forget that DV knows no bounds and as an adult you are NOT damaged goods. It's never too late!