Intimate Partner Violence and Media

John and Linda King are at it again. Reading my mind that is... I've mentioned before how amazing it is that there is media about various issues, but I've never seen more than one or two in my lifetime addressing domestic violence, whether on TV, radio, magazines, or even billboards. When I do, it's only during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

I am not by any means minimizing the seriousness of breast cancer, because it is common and way too many people suffer from it. I am happy that there is so much awareness about the issue because women do need to learn how to prevent it; however, the same kind of fervor needs to be exercised when it comes to domestic abuse awareness.

Here's the proof: (U. S. stats only)

In 2004 the CDC claims that 186,772 women and 1,815 men developed breast cancer, and 40,954 women and 362 men died from breast cancer. Ouch.

In 2004 the CDC claims that 4.8 million women experience intimate partner related physical assaults and rapes and 2.9 million men are the victims of intimate partner related physical assaults. That same year, 1,544 (75% women) died from IVP or Intimate Partner Violence. IVP means two people in a close relationship. It doesn't include child abuse, elder abuse, animal abuse, teen dating violence, etc.

CDC Breast Cancer Statistic for 2004
CDC IVP Statistic for 2004 (bottom left of first page)

This is why the King's are working hard to bring information to the public. After losing one of their daughters to the IVP statistic, they are finding ways to get the word out. The video in this post is just such an endeavor. Hopefully we will see this message jump from the small screen to the big one.

If Anybody Cared-video

Being the visual person that I am, I enjoy creative expression in any form. The previous video I posted in Resolutions Worth Repeating was a painful and realistic look at domestic violence and children modeling behavior. This new video post promotes facts and hope through the use of artwork and music. Lose yourself in the moment and enjoy.

Domestic Violence - If Anybody Cared

Resolutions Worth Repeating

I've been seeing a lot of articles popping up here and there about reviving or keeping New Year's Resolutions alive. Last December, I came across this video and put a link of it into my blog. I found a way to actually embed the video and decided to post again.

I feel that as adults we are always role models to young people no matter who or where we encounter them. They watch how we interact with other adults and how we handle our feelings. At the New Year there are resolutions to stop smoking, to say a kinder word, a vow to leave. The message in this video speaks to the habits we have as adults and how a resolution isn't just for the new year, but rather something we should work on everyday because there are always little eyes and ears watching us.

Some of the content in the video is somewhat disturbing, but it's a powerful message that bears repeating.