Deserving Decor

The ability to predict and protect oneself from violent behavior is ultimately through our own unique signals of intuition. This is the central theme of the author, Gavin de Becker, who is one of the nation’s leading experts on knowing the subtle signs of violent behavior in which he reveals reliable precursor indicators associated with spousal and dating domestic violence.  

Intimate Enemies is one of his forthright chapters in his National Bestseller, The Gift of Fear in which he dispels the myth that weak or uneducated women are victims of domestic violence.

The national statistics are clear that one in four women, 25% of the female population, has experienced domestic violence in their lifetime.   Women accounted for 85% of the victims of domestic violence by intimate partners according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief.

A Woman’s Place is the only domestic violence organization located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania that provides comprehensive free, private and confidential services. This dedicated organization provides support, education, outreach and advocacy to victims of abusive violence and their children in which they can only house approximately seven families for up to thirty days.  They have consistently provided preventative educational programs with confidentiality since founded in 1976. Recent data shows that they have serviced 4000 individuals out of a county population of 620,000.

Many women transition from A Woman’s Place to transitional shelter apartments that Deserving Décor is committed to creating an atmosphere of creative comfort for those individuals who have suffered the loss of their homes, family structures and sense of security. In the midst of battling the reality of incredible loss of family, financial difficulties and the shame or stigma associated with domestic violence, Deserving Décor strives to give these families a glimpse of hope and stability by creating an environment of belonging that each one of us aspire to attain in our own lives.

Our journey is never clear and without struggles……..How can we raise the bar of awareness on domestic violence within our own neighborhood and contribute to our sense of community?

The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step – Lao Tzu

Credits
Written by Cherie Watts, Deserving Decor Volunteer
Image: africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net