No More Abuse
It’s a devastating fact that many women and children in America are victims of violence every day. Whether it is from a parent or spouse, abuse against women and children is still a serious societal concern and it needs to come to an end. The best way to stop this unspeakable cycle of violence is to start by creating an awareness of the issue and move forward with a plan. The city of St. Louis is saying “No More”, and has put together No More Abuse in hopes of ending violence against women and children in their community.
About No More Abuse
St. Louis leaders are going to come together on Thursday, September 17, to say “No More” to abuse and violence against women and children. The event is not a fundraiser, and it’s intention is to create awareness of the amount of violence going on in St. Louis. The free community event will be a breakfast open to the public. During the gathering, the area’s best practices will be highlighted with concrete methods to break the silence and put an end to violence in the community. Those in attendance will hear from survivors of such abuse as well as a “voice for change”. Guests will also have the chance to meet with local experts in the area of family violence treatment and prevention.
All of those who attend the free community event will be asked to take personal action in order to allow positive changes to occur. These experiences and acts of prevention will be publicly noted via the No More Abuse website (www.nomoreabuse-stl.org) with hopes to inspire others to make positive changes in behavior.
Sponsors of the Event
Safe Connections and the Family Resource Center have partnered up to bring No More Abuse to the world. They have received support from over 70 individual and organizational members, including of the St. Louis Area Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, Family Violence Council, and St. Louis Ending Violence Against Women Network. Co-chairs of the event are Kathy Osborn, the Regional Business Council Executive Director, and the President of the Urban League, Michael McMillan. Molly Higgins, who is the Vice President of Corporate Communication and Civic affairs for the St. Louis Rams is a noted sports sponsor.
Sobering Facts About Violence Against Women and Children in the US
According to research, is has been estimated that over 10% of American women are the victims of domestic violence annually. In addition, 3 million children in America are exposed to domestic violence. Studies have shown that children are also at risk of being abused by that violent parent. Sadly, boys who witness domestic violence have a high chance of abusing their own partners once they reach adulthood. Girls who witness domestic abuse generally come to believe that violence at the hands of a male is acceptable and do not adequately protect themselves when their domestic male partner becomes violent, blaming themselves for the abuse.
It is time to Break the Silence and End the Violence. Visit www.nomoreabuse-stl.org for information on how you can help or become part of the event.
