This Valentine’s Day will also be the day of One Billion Rising, a worldwide movement aiming to end all forms of violence against women. One in three women will be raped or beaten in their lifetime, usually by someone they know. Partners engaged in domestic violence can extend their violence beyond physical and sexual abuse however. This can include:
- Verbal abuse
- Extortion or control of finances
- Use of technology to spy, track, or stalk the victim
- Using religion or religious teachings to exert control over the victim
Domestic violence can happen to anyone and the abuse can put victims in life-threatening situations. The One Billion Rising movement encourages domestic violence victims to hold their predators accountable for the violence committed against them. Victims across the globe are speaking up through marches, social media, and protests. From the #MeToo movement to Hollywood celebrities speaking out against corrupt people in their social circles, people are becoming more and more aware of violence against women.
However, some victims may still feel that they have no support or not place to go. While One Billion Rising hopes to connect victims and have them support one another in their journey of recovery, some extra resources could go a long way. If you are a domestic violence victim living in the Bay Area, WomenSV could help you find resources to leave your violent situation. If you need legal help such as help filing for divorce or battling for child custody, make sure to contact an attorney. The lawyers at Hoover ♦ Krepelka have years of experience handling family law cases. Contact us today.