Betty Heath: Relationships matter when living in abusive environment
Do you know where you are going and how to get there? If
you are living in an abusive environment, you many need help in
answering the above questions.
More commonly known as domestic violence, the terminology has changed to what is now known as relationship abuse because it encompasses a myriad of abuses. It can include financial deprivation, social and physical isolation, physical and emotional battering, cyber bullying, stalking and intimidation and even pet abuse, just to name a few. It has no boundaries as it affects people of all religions, social class, demographics; male and female, old and young.
Abuse is not only one of our nation's least-reported crimes, it is a serious public health care issue that affects the entire community. Defined by a pattern of behavior, it takes on many forms not only physical violence but name-calling, threats and coercion, intimidation of the way you look or act, and controlling what you do, see or who you talk with.
Domestic violence has many faces, none of which is very pretty. It often includes or leads to child abuse. The scars it leaves in the hearts and minds of children is unbelievable that can cause lasting emotional and physical consequences. I know this to be true because my daughter and her son lived in an environment of domestic violence for more than two years. After living on an emotional and physical roller coaster, she called the police and had her husband removed from the home.
She and her son came to Colorado to live with us until they could regain a sense of stability in their lives. Violent, abusive relationships are not private matters. It affects not only the families involved, but has community-wide ramifications.
There is hope for those who struggle to make sense of their relationships. Everyone deserves loving, respectful and equal relationships. Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley is located in Longmont and provides safety, support and resources to individuals of any gender identity, age or ethnicity from any location.
All services of their comprehensive non-residential and residential are free of charge. They offer a 24-hour crisis line at 303-772-4422 in English and Spanish, plus a 24-hour admission to a confidential safe shelter for individuals fleeing imminent danger. Among the programs this organization offers is advocacy and referrals to community resources and educational community programs.
Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley is hosting its annual Symposium on Domestic Violence scheduled for April 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Plaza Convention Center in Longmont. Presented by national experts in various fields, this year's focus is on the impact of relationship abuse on the health of individuals and community.
More commonly known as domestic violence, the terminology has changed to what is now known as relationship abuse because it encompasses a myriad of abuses. It can include financial deprivation, social and physical isolation, physical and emotional battering, cyber bullying, stalking and intimidation and even pet abuse, just to name a few. It has no boundaries as it affects people of all religions, social class, demographics; male and female, old and young.
Abuse is not only one of our nation's least-reported crimes, it is a serious public health care issue that affects the entire community. Defined by a pattern of behavior, it takes on many forms not only physical violence but name-calling, threats and coercion, intimidation of the way you look or act, and controlling what you do, see or who you talk with.
Domestic violence has many faces, none of which is very pretty. It often includes or leads to child abuse. The scars it leaves in the hearts and minds of children is unbelievable that can cause lasting emotional and physical consequences. I know this to be true because my daughter and her son lived in an environment of domestic violence for more than two years. After living on an emotional and physical roller coaster, she called the police and had her husband removed from the home.
She and her son came to Colorado to live with us until they could regain a sense of stability in their lives. Violent, abusive relationships are not private matters. It affects not only the families involved, but has community-wide ramifications.
There is hope for those who struggle to make sense of their relationships. Everyone deserves loving, respectful and equal relationships. Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley is located in Longmont and provides safety, support and resources to individuals of any gender identity, age or ethnicity from any location.
All services of their comprehensive non-residential and residential are free of charge. They offer a 24-hour crisis line at 303-772-4422 in English and Spanish, plus a 24-hour admission to a confidential safe shelter for individuals fleeing imminent danger. Among the programs this organization offers is advocacy and referrals to community resources and educational community programs.
Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley is hosting its annual Symposium on Domestic Violence scheduled for April 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Plaza Convention Center in Longmont. Presented by national experts in various fields, this year's focus is on the impact of relationship abuse on the health of individuals and community.
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