Did you know that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month? I’m guessing most of you were unaware of this, as was I before last month. October is normally focused on ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ that unfortunately ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Month’ is overlooked and almost hidden. Well, here at Alter Ego Boudoir we are aware of how many are affected by domestic violence and want to bring more awareness to this horrific and, oftentimes silent abuse. Domestic Violence Awareness color is purple, so you will see us wearing purple all month long!
Domestic violence is not an easy thing to talk about. Whether you are the one going through it, or the bystander witnessing a family member or friend go through it. We have been told to not get involved or keep our heads down, and lips shut. Well, this is no longer acceptable! We CANNOT be silent! We have an obligation to stand up for others and ourselves.
We as women, mothers, daughters, neighbors, and, as a community, need to speak up. Being silent and ignoring the signs isn’t helping anyone and is making domestic violence a taboo subject. We shouldn’t be afraid to step up and address this huge issue. It affects more than 10 million women and men in the United States alone...10 MILLION! That isn’t a small number. And, you read that right, not only women are affected. Men are also abused and are also silent about what they go through. However, we have a chance to reach out and help those who are affected.
It should be a priority for us as human beings and a country to fight to end domestic violence. Domestic violence isn’t always as blatant or obvious as a black eye or a bruise. Sometimes it is constant screaming, swearing, belittling or even grabbing somebody. Abusers don’t always leave marks on their victims. Oftentimes they are very good at covering their tracks. Domestic violence ranges from physical abuse to emotional and verbal abuse too. We should all be trying to pay more attention and listen to those around us. Survivors and victims don’t usually ask for help. Whether they are scared or embarrassed, they don’t feel like they can ask anyone.
Survivors/victims shouldn’t feel any shame for asking for help. We should all make it easy for those around us to come to us. We can do that by making sure people know that we support them and are always there to help them. We make that noticeable by lending an ear and truly listening, sometimes opening up our house to let me crash, helping them arrange childcare or a place to go, or even being the one that takes them to the authorities to report it. We can be sure to be whatever they need in that moment.
It is a long road to recovery and it is a lasting effect that domestic violence leaves on you. So, let’s not be silent about it. Let’s speak up and lend an ear and a hand to others. Let’s stop the abuse and leave a better world and raise better generations.
At Alter Ego Boudoir we are helping raise awareness by talking about it and sporting purple to show our support to all of those who have been, and currently are going through this difficult time. We are also donating $50 for every shoot that is booked in October to Turning Point. Turning Point is a non-profit that provides programs and resources to help victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault to help them regain control of their lives. Turning Point is a non-profit that we support and are participating in their Tara’s Walk Virtual Run (running from October 4th-10th). We would love for you to join us for only $25 or any donation is greatly appreciated as well! You can join our team (Alter Ego Boudoir) or make any donations at this link: https://turningpointmacomb.org/event/tara2020/.
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. We are also here if you need help or resources regarding domestic violence. If you are ready to book your October shoot, to help give Turning Point a donation simply by booking your shoot, then be sure to email us or give us a call! We are always happy to speak with you and help you book your session! <3 *Please feel free to reach out via email at info@aeboudoir.com or by phone at (248) 747-7236 if you have any questions or are ready to book your shoot with us! We look forward to working with you!
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