In the discussion of domestic violence issues, many people ask, “Why do these women stay?” It is disheartening to hear the stereotypical responses, “Doesn’t she have any respect for herself?” or “Doesn’t she want to protect her children?” The truth is, many women are aware and afraid of the fact that they are captive to an abusive relationship. The real dilemma is not identifying whether or not you’re in one, but whether or not you can ever truly escape it. An abusive relationship is built on the foundation of isolation. 

Our media culture likes to discuss domestic violence…when it’s convenient. You may still hear the whispers of domestic violence discussion in the aftershock of the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson stories, but I have chosen this moment to bring domestic violence into the light. I won’t, again, let the importance of this topic be dictated by the media ebbs and flows.

In the past, October has been about the Susan G. Komen breast cancer awareness products that range from ribbons to wrist bands, from bras to tee-shirts–all in an effort to promote the prevention and treatment of one of the most deadly illnesses to ever face women. We use a lot of cute words to describe our breasts when it comes to creating awareness, but the truth of the matter is much darker.