Domestic Violence: We Do NOT Stand for It
- Erin Jones
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
Domestic violence is a crisis that affects millions of people, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. It doesn’t just happen behind closed doors—it’s in our communities, our workplaces, and even among our friends and family. The reality is chilling, but the message must be clear: we don’t stand for it.
The Reality of Domestic Violence
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. But domestic violence isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, psychological, financial, and verbal. It’s about control, manipulation, and power.
Victims often feel trapped, ashamed, and scared to leave. Abusers use intimidation, threats, and even financial dependence to maintain control. But silence only fuels the cycle, and the more we ignore it, the more it thrives.
Breaking the Silence
For too long, society has treated domestic violence as a private issue, something to be handled behind closed doors. But domestic violence is a human rights issue, a public health crisis, and a legal matter. Speaking up can save lives.
If you suspect someone is experiencing abuse, believe them. Offer support, not judgment. Please encourage them to seek professional help and resources. And if you are in an abusive situation, know that help is available, and you are not alone.
Resources for Help:
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, here are resources available 24/7:
National Resources (U.S.)
National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 | www.thehotline.org
Love Is Respect (for young people in abusive relationships) – Call 866-331-9474, text LOVEIS to 22522 | www.loveisrespect.org
StrongHearts Native Helpline (for Indigenous communities) – Call 844-7NATIVE (762-8483) | www.strongheartshelpline.org
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) | www.rainn.org
Futures Without Violence – Advocacy, prevention, and policy resources | www.futureswithoutviolence.org
National Center for Victims of Crime – Legal and emotional support | www.victimsofcrime.org
Resources for Women
Women’s Law – Legal support for domestic violence survivors | www.womenslaw.org
WomensLaw Email Hotline – Legal assistance through confidential emails | www.womenslaw.org/emailhotline
Resources for Men
The Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men & Women – Call 888-7HELPLINE (743-5754) | www.dahmw.org
Resources for LGBTQ+ Individuals
The Anti-Violence Project – Support for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing domestic violence – Call 212-714-1141 | www.avp.org
Forge Forward – Resources for transgender and nonbinary survivors | www.forge-forward.org
International Resources
UN Women – Global efforts to end domestic violence | www.unwomen.org
Canadian Women’s Foundation – Support for survivors in Canada | www.canadianwomen.org
Women’s Aid UK – Domestic abuse services in the UK | www.womensaid.org.uk
1800RESPECT (Australia) – National domestic, family, and sexual violence service – Call 1800 737 732 | www.1800respect.org.au
We must educate, advocate, and act. We don’t stand for domestic violence, and we won’t tolerate a culture that allows it to continue. Whether supporting survivors, demanding policy changes, or raising awareness, we all have a role to play.
Let’s be the generation that ends the silence. Let’s stand together. Let's work not to lose one more person!