If you are a woman, one in three of you knows what it is like to have a man you are living with try to use you for a punching bag. One in four* of you were left battered and bruised, and in not a few cases, crippled. Many of you were raped. Not that domestic violence is a woman's problem. Time and time again, men and children are tortured and killed by 'significant others.' All this in countries that pride themselves on being "civilized." "Love and protect" somehow twists to "beat and berate." Children tend to get the worst of it. More turn up missing every day. 15% or more of men report that they are being abused in the privacy of their homes. "It won't happen again," assailants promise tearfully. Because deep feelings are involved, victims tend to swallow the line. They don't know what they did to set the person off, but it must have been something. If they are very, very good, things will smooth out. Instead, a cycle begins that repeats and repeats. That's the bad news. Let's talk about the good news.
A lot of people care. They don't need to know the person. All they need to hear is that the person is hurting. Knowing there is strength in numbers, they very often join forces with others who are eager to help. This is how the Internet organization, Caring Angels, got its start. In 2001, Marcia Duning agreed to take the helm, and Caring Angels became Angels That Care. A former nursing administrator, Duning has the leadership experience, compassion, and soldierly determination that is needed to keep ATC focused on its primary goal, which is to ease the pain, humiliation, and sense of helplessness that come with being abused. Empathy – not sympathy – empowers. So does knowledge. Education is key, and it cannot occur in a vacuum.
ATC facilitates communication. Networking! Tweaking the public conscience is essential. ATC helps see that more people become actively involved. Education leads to understanding leads to empathy. More people think 'There but for the grace of God go I,' rather than 'What a pity' (or worse,
'What abuse?') Empathy translates to votes for legislation that increases penalties for domestic violence, stalking, and abduction. Bills that propose genuine and timely support for victims are far more likely to pass. ATC promotes such legislation at every level of government.
Duning has taken measures to increase forum participation and educational and inspirational posts. Guestbook entries, e-mails, and an ever-increasing number of links to resources such as shelters and legal help stimulate further interaction. As a result, victims feel less alone. Who does not know somebody who is struggling to work free from an abusive relationship? Many people have lost loved ones to domestic violence, or are struggling to come to terms with the fact that a loved one who has been missing for years may never be found. The number of children who are missing is heartbreaking.
ATC helps to boost self-esteem so that victims will take that first small step, rather than
give in to depression and fear. One baby step leads to another, and there comes a day when "victim" turns to "victor." People who are too young or old or otherwise disadvantaged need extra help that ATC does its best to see that they get. No one deserves to be abused. By anyone. Each and one of us pays a price for each and every instance of deliberate harm. Especially if the abuser is a loved one. This is what Angels That Care is about.
ATC is regularly updated on Internet search engines. Free for All Links, or FFA's, greatly increase awareness of domestic violence and associated issues.
The speciality of the house is Tender Loving Care. To care means to listen, learn, empathize, and share. Domestic violence is robbing all of us of the sense of security, peace of mind, and the lift that comes with knowing that one is part of a caring society. A n y o n e can fall prey. The number of people who have suffered at the hands of the people they trusted the most is staggering. It is up to all of us to help end the suffering. ATC is an easy, affordable way to make a difference. It is that simple.
If you believe in learning, sharing, and doing what you can to help, you are already an angel. Join Angels That Care. You will be amazed at the welcome you receive.
Features of Angel That Care:
Continually updated resources re domestic violence and missing and exploited children.
An interactive mailing list to encourage regular communication.
Individual recognition that includes a personalized website plaque for each member.
A chance to compete in a competition known as Topsite.
In conclusion, the author would like to say that to her, one of the things that sets Angels That Care on a high plane is the personal touch that Marcia Duning {aka “The Boss”} insists upon. Never do you feel you're a cog in a wheel. In today’s world, that is rare, indeed.
Angels That Care
