I did something unusual this week. I went with a couple of friends to a local counseling center to hear two passionate women explain their work, and I want to share with you what I learned...
According to FBI statistics, one out of every three marriages int he US has at least one incident of domestic violence. ...there are four of us girls writing this blog, and at this point we're all thinking of getting married. That is an astoundingly high statistic. A statistic that makes me shrink and the world grow up around me.
One in three.
We first heard about First Step, an organization that offers shelter and relief for any person in a violent domestic relationship. Several times this phrase was repeated, "No person should have to live with violence or the fear of violence in their lives."
But not only is there relief for persons who are abused, but there is also relief for the abusers, as well. That alone is reason for rejoicing!
Next, we heard about Center for Marriage and Family Counseling, where any person is welcome to participate in the group therapy sessions. I can't remember what the statistic is, however this specific therapy is known to be an excellent process where many people complete the program feeling as if they've learned more about themselves and others--about empathy.
My question then was, because this is a good program, has the one in three statistic decreased at all?
Well, no. The answer is that no, the statistic hasn't changed.
However, more people are talking about domestic violence now. It's becoming less taboo. If victims feel as if they'll still be accepted, believed, and loved if they admit what happened, then more people will seek help. The same thing for offenders, as well. If offenders believe that they will not be judged or abandoned if they seek help, then perhaps more people will seek help before a problem arises.
So, no, the statistic is the same. But if more people are telling their story and seeking help, then more people are adding their voices to the others who have already done so and changed. So, even though the pool of people from which the statistic is gathered is growing, the statistic remains the same. The situation is indeed changing!
This gives me hope. I've grown up with so many statistics, but there is more story behind the numbers. Don't be burdened by heavy fractions, but seek out the stories, the faces, the "what can we do at this moment?" I think in doing this, we will keep a goal that is more full of truth--a goal that we can touch.
According to FBI statistics, one out of every three marriages int he US has at least one incident of domestic violence. ...there are four of us girls writing this blog, and at this point we're all thinking of getting married. That is an astoundingly high statistic. A statistic that makes me shrink and the world grow up around me.
One in three.
We first heard about First Step, an organization that offers shelter and relief for any person in a violent domestic relationship. Several times this phrase was repeated, "No person should have to live with violence or the fear of violence in their lives."
But not only is there relief for persons who are abused, but there is also relief for the abusers, as well. That alone is reason for rejoicing!
Next, we heard about Center for Marriage and Family Counseling, where any person is welcome to participate in the group therapy sessions. I can't remember what the statistic is, however this specific therapy is known to be an excellent process where many people complete the program feeling as if they've learned more about themselves and others--about empathy.
My question then was, because this is a good program, has the one in three statistic decreased at all?
Well, no. The answer is that no, the statistic hasn't changed.
However, more people are talking about domestic violence now. It's becoming less taboo. If victims feel as if they'll still be accepted, believed, and loved if they admit what happened, then more people will seek help. The same thing for offenders, as well. If offenders believe that they will not be judged or abandoned if they seek help, then perhaps more people will seek help before a problem arises.
So, no, the statistic is the same. But if more people are telling their story and seeking help, then more people are adding their voices to the others who have already done so and changed. So, even though the pool of people from which the statistic is gathered is growing, the statistic remains the same. The situation is indeed changing!
This gives me hope. I've grown up with so many statistics, but there is more story behind the numbers. Don't be burdened by heavy fractions, but seek out the stories, the faces, the "what can we do at this moment?" I think in doing this, we will keep a goal that is more full of truth--a goal that we can touch.
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