Monday Musings

  I released my second poetry book,  Family Treasons , the beginning of October, in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The book is a memoir in poetic form chronicling my history of child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. I am one of the lucky ones: I’m not only a survivor; I’ve thrived. 50% of the royalties will be donated to Domestic Violence centers. 25% to the  Domestic Abuse Project   of Delaware County, PA and 25% to   Hubbard House   in Jacksonville, FL. Thank you for helping support a much needed cause. To find ou t  more about Domestic Abuse prevention and services, see the links to the two centers above, and/or my  Author website . Follow me on Twitter  @JoanHuffmanMD

  An abuser’s best friend is silence: the silent fear of the victim and the silence of those who could report. What is Domestic Violence [Intimate Partner Violence-IPV]? Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other  abusive behavior  as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically; however, the one constant component of domestic violence is one partner’s consistent efforts to maintain  power and control  over the other. [NCADV] Domestic Violence Statistics  are staggering. [NCADV]. For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1–800–799–7233 (SAFE) or 1–800–787–3224 (TTY). I am a survivor!  Anyone can be a victim of child abuse, ...