october is domestic violence awareness month

but - i didn't know it. at least, not until i read an article on alternet's news site.

the facts:

http://www.endabuse.org/resources/facts/

having been in a relationship where i experienced domestic violence, the facts are rather sobering.
i do not have much faith in the justice system, especially in the state i live in, as domestic violence and murder are quite closely linked in many cases throughout the news. personally having experienced the humiliation of having to defend myself to someone who is paid by my taxes to protect and serve me, as well as to quantify my feelings and court filings to complete strangers, i can understand why some women don't want to report it.

as a victim of domestic violence, women tend to be further victimized; they are viewed as vindictive, or wanting to get back at their abuser.

for me, i'm letting karma do what it needs to.
but if you are in a violent situation, whether you have children or not, call your local women's shelter, and do what you can to get out. it isn't easy, but it *can* be done.