End domestic violence.

I've written about domestic violence before, but after attending a community forum on "Healing Domestic Violence" last Thursday night, I am inspired to write about it again. As you may know, 31% of women report being physically abused by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. First things first:

If something about your relationship with your partner scares you and you need to talk, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Fax: 512-453-8541 Address: PO Box 161810, Austin, Texas 78716.

During the question and answer period, I asked what each of us can do to help end domestic violence. Here are some of the answers:

* Do the personal work of examining your own belief systems and behavior to learn how you contribute to social and institutional practices that oppress women and children and dehumanize men. Consider the words you use, the music you listen to, the ways you deal with anger, frustration and disappointment. If you are uncomfortable with the the answers you find, GET HELP.

* Donate financially to your local women's safehouse (shelter) or men's support group. In Atlanta, consider the Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence and Men Stopping Violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline website lists domestic violence agencies in each state, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

* Volunteer your time to an organization that seeks to end domestic violence. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 512/453-8117 or ndvh@ndvh.org to find a volunteer opportunity in your area.

* Donate supplies to your local safehouse. These homes away from home are always in need of things like towels, toiletries, sheets, kitchen supplies and the like. Children's necessities for home and school are also needed.

* Donate your cell phone. Safehouses get up to $15 for each cell phone. The Women's Resource Center uses that money to by grocery store gift cards, toiletries and supplies for the women as they start their new lives free from violence.

* Pray for healing and an end to domestic violence.

Click here, for more ways to help. Thanks to the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Decatur for organizing this excellent forum. Now let's all take action to heal the community, heal our families, and heal ourselves.