It is known that “Love Should Not Hurt!
Domestic violence is an act of physical, emotional, economic, psychological and sexual endangerment. It starts in the home, and the offender is someone that the victim knows. It is a continuous problem that was kept private in the early 1900s; however, more voices are speaking out, louder and louder each year. On Saturday, October 21st, State Senator Roxanne Persaud, Chair of the Social Services Committee, held her annual event, “A Better You: The Empowerment Experience” at the P.S. 272 gym, at 101-24 Seaview Avenue, to help bring awareness to domestic violence.
The senator’s office invited organizations such as Safe Horizon, which helps people going through not only domestic violence, but also child abuse and stalking. Their mission is clear: “Provide support, prevent violence and promote justice of crime and abuse.” The Mayor’s office also provided support and phablets to visitors, letting them know they are not alone and that NYC has their back.
A resident of Canarsie who wished to remain anonymous stated, “I am a survivor of domestic violence where I almost lost my life. I came here today to breathe and get assurance that there are others out there, like me. I hear their stories as I pass the kiosk, and I can’t help but feel so proud of these people seeking help.”
If help was what the attendees were looking for, support was what they got. Aphique Woods, a 23-year veteran of martial arts and a black belt, attended with his teammate to demonstrate their defensive skills. As Woods clarified, the victim will likely know the attacker; the C.A.R.E. group focuses on tactics and ways to diffuse a situation. The most critical element in martial arts is confidence and awareness. According to shelterhousenwfl.org, there are 16,800 homicides and $2.2 million spent in medically-treated injuries, adding up to the $37 billion cost due to this horrific act of violence. This does not include the most priceless amount, which is depression and anxiety that comes along with hurting a loved one.
The afternoon’s event was successful, and Paulette Kelly read a poem titled “I Got Flowers Today,” dedicated to battered women and men. “I got flowers today. It wasn’t my birthday or any other special day. We had our first argument last night. He said a lot of cruel things that hurt me. I know he was sorry and didn’t mean the things he said. Because I got flowers today…” Senator Persaud told the Canarsie Courier, “The one time of a hit is a signal of what’s to come; it’s never only one time, and you have to see from that one behavior to start making your plans and think of an exit strategy.” She assures that residences are protected under section 227-C of the real property law.
For more information on domestic violence, or to get help, call 800-799-7233 or
visit thehotline.org
Assistance for those dealing with anger issues is available at apa.org.
