Those were the words that were uttered by a child on Wednesday, September 30th as he witnessed his mother being shot in the head. Issac, who is only three years old instinctively, grabbed the hand of his two year old brother Isaiah, and walked out to their next door neighbor’s house. The police were called and arrived in time to take Casey Gilbert (pictured below) to the hospital. Now, the mother of two children lies in a coma, while the grandmother holds the family together through this tragedy.
This is just ONE story out of many. On average more than THREE women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends EVERYDAY!
Domestic violence has become an epidemic; victims are being intimidated, threatened and beaten. They are being robbed of their self worth, their dignity and of their humanity. Living in constant fear is not living at all. To see all the facts surrounding domestic violence one would think “Okay, this is awful. It must stop”. So then why doesn’t it?
Why is it that 1 in 3 woman will be abused in their lifetime.
Why is it that 1,900 women will die this year at the hands of their partners??
These facts only scratch the surface of this epidemic. Not only is the woman being victimized, but what about the children. Take a moment to think of a child bearing witness to daddy raising his hand at mommy. Or imagine little Samantha, standing close by as she hears her parents arguing. With each passing moment, the argument escalates and Samantha doesn’t understand what is going on. Samantha is scared, she begins to cry. Although, it may just being arguing tonight, tomorrow she may witness mommy being threatened, mommy being pushed, mommy being slapped or mommy being punched. Regardless of the type of abuse being witnessed, each incident will now be a stain on this child’s heart. She will forever have that memory and whether it stays buried in her subconscious or remains a daily reminder, it is now a burden that the child will carry forever.
Domestic violence doesn’t only affect the person being abused. It affects ALL loved ones in that person’s life. And we have to know that ANY FORM OF PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL ABUSE IS NOT OKAY. TODAY has to be the day “WE SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”.
We have to realize that if it happens once it will continue to happen. There are many “excuses” given as to why a person may stay in a violent relationship, but the excuses have to end. No child deserves to grow up in a home where they live in fear. A sister shouldn’t have to worry about the day she will get the call telling her that her little sister is dead. How about a mother knowing that her daughter is being abused and can’t do anything. Today is the day where “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”!!!!
VICTIMS RECLAIM YOUR LIFE.
The past does not have to be a window into your future. YOU decide when enough is enough, before it’s too late.
If you have a loved one that is a victim of domestic violence, it may feel as though you are helpless and that nothing you say or do is getting across. But stay strong. Let them know you are there for them and that their life doesn’t have to continue like that.
The following are links to various organizations where you can find out more information on where to get help for yourself or a loved one.
Domestic Violence Project, Inc/SAFE House
Family Violence Prevention Fund
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
National Network to End Domestic Violencewww.mivictims.org
by Lisa Castro
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