Racing Against Domestic Violence

Tomorrow morning, T and I will be getting up bright and early and heading out in the heat and humidity to race against domestic violence.   We will be running/walking (T will be running, I will be walking) in a 5k race on the campus of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis in downtown Indianapolis that annually is held to raise money to support awareness against domestic violence.   Despite the early time and the muggy conditions, I couldn't be happier to participate in this race. 

 

This cause is one that is very close to my heart for several reasons.  Without going into details, I will just suffice it to say I that several people who are close to my heart have been affected by domestic abuse, both physical and emotional abuse.  Further, as an attorney for the Department of Child Services, I run into this issue on a daily basis.  In my cases I see a series of different types of neglect and abuse - child born testing positive for drugs, parents addicted to drugs, deplorable living conditions, etc.  But the ones that really touch me and affect me are the ones involving domestic violence and sexual abuse.  These are the cases that I have a truly difficult time not bringing home with me, the ones where it breaks my heart to hear about these women and children involved in such horrific situations.  It breaks my heart even more when the women don't recognize the abusive relationship until it is too late.  While there are many who are fully aware of the issue of domestic abuse, there are many still out there who don't recognize the signs, don't know their options, and don't comprehend the consequences of staying in these toxic relationships.  So it means a lot to me to take part in a public event that outwardly opposes such a tragic issue.  I only wish I could do more.  

 

A fellow blogger friend of mine, Suzie, has dedicated her blog towards educating others about domestic violence.  She appropriately titles her blog "I Married a Moron and Survived."  Calling these perpetrators "morons," in my mind is quite an appropriate description but also one that is much nicer than it could be in describing perpetrators of such violence.  I encourage you to visit her blog and read her story as well.  It's an inspiration to all who have been touch by domestic abuse, and I fully support her in her quest to educate everyone about these "morons" and inform everyone about what options and resources are out there for the victims.  

 

So tomorrow morning,   as I drag my tired self out of bed, get dressed in my workout gear and head out in the August heat with T, I will be thinking all of those friends and family I love who have been scarred by domestic violence and I will be walking for them and for all of those unnamed victims out there who don't have a voice.  To me, it's truly an honor and the least that I can do.