“Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional/psychological abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence varies dramatically.”
Domestic violence can also include abuse from a family member living in the home.
Since Covid-19 lockdowns began, incidents of domestic abuse around the world have increased dramatically.
Imagine being confined in your home 24/7 with your abuser. Work-from-home is mandatory, or you or your abuser have lost your job, and your children (if you have any) are also now home because of school closures. This person now has full-time access to you. This is the current reality for many, and has been for the past few months.
As countries are now lifting their lockdowns, many abusers and their victims are still working from home or still have not found employment. These situations make it easier for abusers to control their victims. If there is a resurgence of Covid-19 (and possible recurring lockdowns), these victims’ lives will only become worse.
For every item you purchase, $1 will be donated.
One dollar from each item purchased from my website will be donated to New Life Center, a domestic violence shelter located in Arizona, U.S.
New Life Center is a refuge for victims of domestic violence, as well as sexual assault. Their support not only extends to women and men, but also to children who have either witnessed the abuse or are victims themselves. According to their website, “more than 70% of New Life Center’s shelter population is children.”
For more information, please, visit their website: newlifectr.org
If you bought something from my Etsy shop this year, I will be donating from those purchases, as well.
There are other ways to help.
Please, support your local domestic violence shelters.
Most shelters require more than monetary donations in order to continue supporting their community.
Consider donating in-kind goods or your time by volunteering. Wish lists for in-kind goods can be found on shelter websites.