The Bridal Wishlist is taking a pause for the cause.

Stop Domestic Violence!
I do not know too many women who have not been touched in some way or another by domestic abuse. It is an issue that affects all of us in some way or another. Unfortunately, it is still a "hush-hush-that-is-not-any-of-my-business" issue with most people. But we all need to get involved.

Here are the stats - Take it in!

Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S.
Family Violence Prevention Fund, 1994.

95% of all victims of domestic violence are women.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report, U.S. Dept. of Justice.

Domestic Violence is the single major cause of injury to women, more than muggings and car accidents combined.
First Comprehensive National Health Study of American Women, The Commonwealth Fund, 1993.

Domestic Violence is the cause of 30% of physical disabilities in women.
California Department of Social Services, 1994.

50% of all women murdered in the United States are killed by a spouse or an acquaintance.
Journal of Trauma, 1992

Domestic Violence occurs in 60% of marriages and is the most underreported crime.
National Crime Statistics Report, 1993.

90% of battered women reported that their children were present when they were beaten.
National Crime Statistics Report, 1993.

25% to 30% of adolescent relationships are abusive.
L.A. Commission on Assaults Against Women

1/2 of all rape victims are raped between the ages of 14 and 17.
L.A. Commission on Assaults Against Women

As few as 5% of domestic violence victims are identified as such in Emergency Department records.
American Journal of Public Health, 1989.

Domestic Violence costs an estimated $1.4 billion annually in medical bills, and an additional $900 million in mental health treatment.
National Public Services Research Institute, 1994.

Domestic Violence is responsible for a $3 to 5 billion loss each year for employers due to absenteeism.
California Department of Social Services

If you know someone who is a victim of domestic abuse, instead of judging her, give her options. Find out where your local shelter is for battered women. Give her your ear when she needs it. Pray for her. Let your circle of friends know what is going on. The danger is in keeping it a secret.

Here are some sources of information on domestic violence for all to take note:

For Emergencies, Dial 911 or your Local Police

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
http://www.ncadv.org/

American Institute on Domestic Violence
http://www.aidv-usa.com/

Stop Family Violence
http://www.stopfamilyviolence.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3244 (TTY)
Toll free, confidential, 24 hrs. Translators available.
http://www.ndvh.org/

Rape Abuse and Incest National Network
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Toll free, confidential, 24 hrs.
http://www.rainn.org/

National Center for Victims of Crime and National Stalking Resource Center
1-800- FYI-CALL (1-800-394-2255) M-F, 8:30 am- 8:30 pm EST
http://www.ncvc.org/src/index.html

Miles Foundation (for victims of Interpersonal Violence in the Military)
203-270-7861 Confidential, EST
milesfdn@aol.com


Stop It Now! offers a national helpline (1-888-PREVENT) for adults who are concerned about inappropriate sexualized behavior in themselves or people they know. Toll free, confidential M-F 9am-6pm ET. For more information, visit http://www.stopitnow.com/

Women’s Law Initiative
State-by-state legal information on domestic violence and orders of protection
http://www.womenslaw.org/

American Domestic Violence Crisis Line
From within the USA, dial 1-866-USWOMEN. If you have a safe email, email them anytime at crisis@866uswomen.org All communication is confidential.
http://www.866uswomen.org/
[For American women and children living abroad.
International toll free domestic violence crisis line from 10:00pm to 6:00am, Pacific Standard Time, Monday night through Friday morning and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm. (these are daytime hours for people living overseas) To call from overseas, contact your local AT&T operator and ask to be connected to 866-USWOMEN.]