Ending Domestic Violence
Violence against women and domestic violence in LGBT relationships constitute an epidemic that we all — straight men and straight women, LGBT men and women, asexual or intersex individuals need to confront communally and decisively. It’s no secret that domestic violence is dramatically underreported, 70% of cases going unreported.
I pledge, as a feminist, women’s and LGBT equality advocate, Unitarian Universalist and future physician that I will do everything in my power and to the full extent of my abilities and talents to do whatever I can whenever I can to educate individuals about domestic violence, to advocate on the behalf of victims, to care for and treat victims with the ultimate end of putting a permanent end to the scourge of domestic violence, to prosecute its perpetrators, to care for victims and to prevent its recurrence in the United States and around the world.
Ending domestic violence requires a global coalition encompassing individuals representing law enforcement, educational institutions, medicine, faith communities, media and members of the legal establishment. Above all, it requires awareness among everyone in our communities to look and listen for signs of domestic violence and a willingness to stand up on behalf of our sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, friends, etc. Together we can turn the tide; not fight back, but rather end the fighting.
Namaste.
Addendum: To this end, I highly recommend The Pixel Project — a global organization devoted to ending domestic violence. Follow them @pixelproject or visit the above-shared link to learn more about domestic violence in general, to contact individuals with the ability and expertise to assist with issues of domestic violence or to volunteer.
