bought the plane ticket and left for San Francisco in a matter of days .” No grass growing under this woman ’ s feet except in the couple ’ s garden .
“ This conference is giving me more tools in the toolbox I use to help others and myself .” Her toolbox of life wisdom is already full , but there is always room for more ; she explains , “ I take adversity and wring all the wisdom out of it I can and let the rest go . I count on my higher power . And I always remind myself , if I don ’ t get what I want , I always get what I need .”
I asked Danielle what information she felt was important for all of us to know , especially after she informed me Missouri is the number three state for domestic violence . “ Most people won ’ t talk about their situation because of the burden they think they are creating for others .” She continues , “ But this silence is killing people every day . And this is everybody ’ s problem . Everyone has a mother , a sister , a daughter , or maybe a brother . Men suffer from domestic violence as well .”
Danielle says , “ October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month . Domestic violence is not confined to any specific group of people but affects people of all races , backgrounds , economic levels , education levels , family structures , ages , and religions . Domestic violence violates members of our community ’ s safety , privacy , dignity , security , and humanity in the form of physical , emotional , sexual , psychological , and economic abuse .
“ A national domestic violence organization found that 41.8 % of Missouri women and 35.2 % of Missouri men experience intimate partner physical violence , intimate partner sexual violence , and / or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes . This is a problem that has been embedded in our society , and focus truly needs to be turned to prevention .
“ The effects of domestic violence have a ripple effect on our families , our schools , our jobs , and beyond . We as a collective society need to start talking about it more instead of pushing it under a rug and
considering it an individual problem because , from my experience , it is a WE problem , and until WE collectively work together to stop it , the trickle effect it generates will only continue to grow affecting our future and those who will lead it .”
If you want to know how you can help end domestic violence , Danielle has a few suggestions :
● Don ’ t ignore it
● Lend an ear
● Become educated on the signs
● Be available
● Know the number of your local shelter
● Be a resource
● Get the word out
● Most importantly , put your money where your mouth is . Funding for shelters , as well as resources , are very sparse ; even the smallest donation helps !
I like to think these encounters are a way for the plant to say “ thank you ” for the time and effort we spend trying to get her out of the closet of prejudice and promote her truths . I am most grateful this woman got her actual dream job . Danielle will absolutely continue to be the “ High Tide ” that raises all ships and lights the new path for others .
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence , please reach out for help by calling your local shelter or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233 .
Dolores Montgomery Halbin , RN , BSN , and Ordained Nurse Minister , resides in SW Missouri . After her husband passed in 2015 , she retired from nursing . She worked with the 2014-2018 Missouri campaigns for legalized medical marijuana . She continues as a cannabis reform activist volunteering with Canna Convict Project and working Dr . Lisa toward Roark Federal decriminalization through educational speaking and freelance journalism . Dolores Halbin , doloreshalbin @ gmail . com .
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