Everyone Knows Someone ...

Everyone knows not just one but many victims of domestic violence. One out of four women in the United States is affected by domestic violence in their lifetime, so if it isn't you, it's someone in your immediate circle of friends, family, and co-workers.

The truth is, domestic violence impacts us all; an estimated seven people are impacted by each single incident of domestic violence. In my quest to change the public attitude about domestic violence, I have become honest about domestic violence.

Domestic violence doesn't care how much money you flash, what kind of car you drive, where your kids go to school, or what you do for a living. And it doesn't care how many victims it leaves in its wake. Our friends are degraded; our sisters, daughters and mothers are isolated; our co-workers are punched, hit, and kicked; and worst of all, when an abuser can't charm us, this same abuser tries to intimidate each and every one of us.

You say you wouldn't allow this to happen. I don't really know anyone who would. But when we're talking about domestic violence, it's what we don't do that tells the story. We don't become outraged when there's no reason why we shouldn't.

Domestic violence consumes us because it is relentless. It knocks on our door at any hour of the day or night. And, worst of all, it generates a devastating transformation in our lives. So this is a call to action. Everyone needs to be the voice saying this is not acceptable.

Speak against domestic violence, write against domestic violence, sing and dance against domestic violence. Form neighborhood groups, organize task forces, testify against domestic violence. Just do something. Because doing nothing sends the message that domestic violence is OK.

If you don't think domestic violence is close by, look around. It is in our communities, workplaces, schools and homes. And if you ask me, it doesn't get any closer than that.