October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Now being that this is my line of work I really have to put it out there and tell you how important it is that we all think about domestic violence. From the time I started on my criminal justice degree I knew I wanted to be a victim advocate. It was very different from the fields my classmates were going in but it was something I felt very strongly about. I did my internship at Your Community Connection in Ogden. I learned so much and was elated when they hired me on in the crisis center. After I graduated I did aftercare case managing in the shelter and helped victims of domestic violence get back on their feet. I am now a victim advocate. I have been at YCC for almost 2 years now and I have never felt more fulfilled in a job in my life. Everyday I meet amazing people who are defying the odds and trying to leave abusive situations. I am also a state certified sexual assault advocate and have extensive training in child abuse prevention. I hate that there is a reason for my job. I hate that everyday I am never bored because of all the people that come to me for help. I wish we didn't need shelters, or advocates. As much as I love my job, I hate that domestic violence exists. I hope that we all stop sometimes and recognize the violence. It is out there. Victims are your neighbor, your friend, your sister. It can be anywhere and it can be anyone, it has no preference. I go to court for protective orders 2-3 times a week, I go out on scene and hear the stories everyday. People out there need help. This month think hard to yourself about who you know that has been effected by domestic violence. I am sure everyone knows a survivor. Tell that survivor they are brave and that they are a good person. If you know someone who needs help, then get them help. Be a support. If we stay silent we condone the abusers actions. I know domestic violence isn't going anywhere, and I will always have a job in this field. But lets do the best we can to help victims in need. . Ok, I'm not tooting my horn, but I work hard and am proud of my job. I will get off my soap box now. =) If you can, please join us for our walk this year.
Footsteps to Light Empowerment Walk
Thursday October 9, 2008
5:15 Gathering and reception at YCC 2261 Adams Ave, Ogden
6:15 Empowerment walk to the Ogden Municipal Amphitheater
6:15 Empowerment walk to the Ogden Municipal Amphitheater
Refreshments, Speakers, and The Ogden Breakdance Troupe
For info call 399-9456
For more information on DV check out these sites:
This song hangs on my office wall:
Lyrics to Face Down by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Hey girl you know you drive me crazy
one look puts the rhythm in my hand.
Still I'll never understand why you hang around
I see what's going down.
Cover up with make up in the mirror
tell yourself it's never gonna happen again
you cry alone and then he swears he loves you.
Do you feel like a man
when you push her around?
Do you feel better now as she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's going to end
as your lies crumble down, a new life she has found.
A pebble in the water makes a ripple effect
every action in this world will bear a consequence
If you wade around forever you will surely drown
I see what's going down.
I see the way you go and say your right again,
say your right again
heed my lecture
Do you feel like a man
when you push her around?
Do you feel better now as she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's going to end
as your lies crumble down a new life she has.
Face down in the dirt she says,
this doesn't hurt she says I finally had enough..
Face down in the dirt she says,
this doesn't hurt she says I finally had enough..
One day she will tell you that she has had enough
its coming round again.
Do you feel like a man,
when you push her around?
Do you feel better now as she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's going to end
as your lies crumble down, a new life she has.
Do you feel like a man, when you push her around?
Do you feel better now as she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's going to end
as your lies crumble down, a new life she has.
Face down in the dirt she says, this doesn't hurt she says I finally had enough..
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