let’s get political

The International Violence Against Women Act was recently re-introduced in the House and Senate on February 4 , and while this is in no way a political site, gender-based violence is a personal issue for me and it definitely affects mothers worldwide. My experience in this area is not a story I’m ready to share with the world (or the dozen of you who read my blog…) For now, let me just say that I witnessed domestic abuse as a kid, the victim was my mother, and the abuser was NOT my father.

Violence against women is not always the couple fighting in the apartment next to you who had too many jager shots kind of thing. (Btw, that’s not ok, either. Call the cops on their drunk asses before someone gets hurt.) In some parts of the world, violence towards women and girls is so common that unthinkable acts like aborting a child based solely on gender (female infanticide) is still a common occurrence, and “honor killings” still take place, such as the recent story of  Medine Memi, a 16 year old Turkish girl who was reportedly buried alive by her own father and uncle for having too many male friends (source: Bust Magazine).

I’m not an expert on this issue, but I researched this stuff plenty in college and volunteered for organizations that help women who have experienced abuse. And as I said, I witnessed extreme abuse as a child. This stuff is no joke, and the effects of gender violence have been linked not only to psychological issues, but poverty and workplace issues, as well (source: Women Thrive Worldwide). Imagine taking care of your child or going to work after your partner spent the evening choking, shoving, or using you as a punching bag. It happens all the time.

“One out of every three women worldwide will be physically, sexually or otherwise abused
during her lifetime with rates reaching 70 percent in some countries. This type of violence and abuse ranges from rape to domestic violence and acid burnings to dowry deaths and so-called honor killings.” – Women Thrive Worldwide

Experiencing violence, especially by the hands or words of a family member or intimate partner, is something that colors your world so completely that you sometimes have to claw your way out from the dark. My mom bravely escaped that violence with two young children in tow, but the repercussions from that experience are still with us today. Fortunately, I have made peace with the past with the help of a loving family, amazing friends, and creative outlets like writing and playing music. But, not everyone has the resources to break through the dark aftermath of violence or the knowledge to prevent it from happening in the first place. And that’s when bills such as the International Violence Against Women Act come in handy. This bill would basically allow the U.S. to support foreign assistance programs that work to prevent violence against women in homes, the workplace, and during times of war.

This is a little preachy, and I don’t plan to get all political on jaimes. But, if you want to read up on the International Violence Against Women Act, visit Women Thrive Worldwide and Amnesty International. Women Thrive Worldwide has a drafted letter you can submit through their site to your state’s representatives should you want to support the cause.

Don’t worry, my next post will be about something much lighter, like a clip from Flashdance for you to practice re-enacting for your loved one this Valentines Day.