I’m going to talk about a very touchy subject this Valentine’s day. According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV), Valentine’s day has a higher than average incidence of domestic violence. February is also National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
Three years ago this month, I lost a dear friend to domestic violence.
There is absolutely nothing that prepares you for that phone call. You can’t remember how to breathe, especially when one of her last Facebook posts was how lucky she was. You sit there, wondering how you missed it. Where there signs? How did you miss the signs?
If you suspect you or someone you know may be in an abusive relationship, The National Domestic Violence Hotline can help. Don’t wait.
This year, the Super Bowl aired an ad they introduced in 2015. It was based on a true recording of a 9-1-1 operator call.
So let’s talk what you can do about it.
Want to have fun and still help those in need? Find a local showing of The Vagina Monologues (which typically runs the end of January through March). The Vagina Monologues is the cornerstone of the V-Day movement, whose participants stage benefit performances of the show and/or host other related events in their communities.
V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. V-Day is a 
catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM), and sex slavery.
Every Valentine’s Day, I donate to V-Day.
Also, we must not forget that men are victims as well. You can find more information here.
This Valentine’s Day, be thankful for the people who love you in your life and remember those who need love the most.
If you’re looking to help victims of violence, find a shelter in your area and donate toiletries, clothing, and even books. Remember, the victims sometimes leave with only the clothes on their backs.
To all the survivors out there: my heart is with you.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
On this day in 1963 – The Beatles recorded “Twist & Shout” and “I Saw Her Standing There.”
Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,
Heather Novak
Find me at:
Twitter: authorheathern
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Facebook: authorheathernovak
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