Brittnie Van De Car
Staff Writer
Domestic violence is an epidemic around the world; each year approximately 4.8 million women are victims of domestic violence.
Traci Love, psychology major at the University of La Verne, decided to do her part to help victims of domestic violence by placing boxes around campus school for students, faculty and staff to contribute food to House of Ruth, an advocacy organization for victims of domestic violence with shelter facilities.
“In the class I am taking, we viewed a informational documentary about domestic abuse and what it is as well as why women are not confident enough to get out of their relationship to be safe,” Love said.
“House of Ruth has a mission to assist women and children who are victims of this horrible epidemic as well as to help them through intervention and community awareness,” Sue Aebischer, director of House of Ruth, said. “Women who visit House of Ruth have come out healed and feeling confident about themselves.”
House of Ruth is a foundation helps families victimized by domestic violence. Love put this event on from April 22 to April 29 for her social action project for her psychology of women class.
“Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury for women ages 15 to 44 and it is evident that this occurs more often that most people are aware of,” Aebischer said.
Domestic violence does not stop at physical abuse; it can also lead to depression, antisocial disorder, anxiety, low self-esteem and trust issues. People are not aware of how this can affect people and change their lives forever.
“About one in three women experience at least one physical assault by a partner, and many students here can relate to this in one way or another,” Aebischer said. “We know that domestic violence is first experienced when they are teens, so we want to help educate teens about abuse and how critical it really is.”
Domestic violence is something most women are afraid to ask for help because they feel that it will only make matters worse. However taking this action into your own hands or talking to somebody and getting help can benefit you in the end.
“I had a friend in high school who was not only physically abused but emotionally abused by her father,” Michelle Scribner, freshman anthropology major, said. “What I saw her struggling with on a daily basis was emotionally draining for me because I wanted to help her but it became so violent that I was scared for her as well as my own safety.”
“By raising awareness around campus I feel that more students will be aware of this cause and will be more willing to help donate more food to House of Ruth so that the women suffering will have food to eat,” Rachel Czarnocki, freshman biology major, said.
“I did not raise as much food last week as expected, however I have been spreading the word around campus to help get the word out,” Love said.
Domestic violence is a leading cause of women living with physiological disorders. If you are around people suffering from violence, or are personally a victim, do not hesitate to call the House of Ruth’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-988-5559.
Brittnie Van De Car can be reached at brittnie.vandecar@laverne.edu.
