White Ribbon Heart Of Gold

With one voice, as one community, we are speaking out and working to end violence against women.

Today's post isn't a recap or mashup, but something I wanted to take a few paragraphs to share with my readers.  Today, many others in the wow-gold-blogging community have united together to post about a very important message that we all play a role in: ending violence against women.

Many of us have busy lives and the closest we get to worrying about violence is watching the news or the latest prime time police / detective drama on television.  It's human nature to take some things for granted when they don't directly affect us.  I was no exception until recently.  My wife just finished serving on a jury for a criminal trial, and an acquaintance of mine also experienced violence first-hand.  Because of these, the reality of violence really hit home for me.

The numbers that are amalgamated for the statistics surrounding violence against women are a small glimpse of the horrorific reality lived by a shocking number of women every day.  You can see statistics for the United States here and International statistics here.  These figures alone are sobering, and the emotional effects linger long after these crimes are over.

Next Friday, November 25th, has been declared the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by the World Health Organization.  This date has served as a rally against violence committed against women since 1981.  As you sit down to enjoy the holidays with you family, think about the women in your life and these statistics.  With the coming 30th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, resolve to do your part to put an end to violence against women today, and every day.

If you would like to learn more about the services available to women in the United States who are victims of criminal violence, please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline and / or The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.  If you live outside the United States and would like to get involved, please visit Say NO – UNiTE to End Violence against Women.   All of these organizations play a vital role in assisting women who are victims of violence.  If you've been looking for a cause or an organization to support, both of these could use your help.

My gratitude to those who read this post with an open mind.  My support to those who read this post with an open heart.