Introducing a Column for HOPE: Voices End Violence

Operation for HOPE Foundation is a nonprofit public charity which provides outreach, support, and advocacy to victims of domestic violence and their families. Our foundation is committed to helping victims find a place to be safe, remain safe and to heal from the physical and psychological wounds of domestic violence.

Through statewide, national and local campaigns, we provide a message to domestic violence victims: “To reduce your risk, to understand what’s happening and to seek safety so you can take back control of your life, you need to act. You are not alone; help is available.” In addition, the foundation provides HOPE Funds—micro-emergency interest free loans to help victims break free from the economic bondage that often keeps them trapped in violent relationships.

Domestic violence impacts every community. According to the 2003 assessment Not a Minute More: Ending Violence Against Women: “The United Nations Development Fund for Women estimates that at least one of every three women globally will be beaten, raped or otherwise abused during her lifetime. In most cases, the abuser is a member of her own family.”

Although most cases of domestic violence don’t end with the death of the victim, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports 1,200 deaths and 2 million injuries to women from intimate partner violence each year in the United States. On average, three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends each day in this country.

Victims tell us that they lived from one terrifying event to the next hoping that it wouldn’t happen again. But, statistics tell us that without intervention, it does happen again. The violence escalates and can ultimately end in murder. If children are witnesses to the violence, seeing a parent beaten, choked and violated, the psychological impact can be so damaging that the cycle of victimization and violence is played out again and again in generations to come.

The violence isn’t always physical; it can be verbal and psychological. Either way, the result is the same. It tears at the fabric of society, damaging the minds, bodies and souls of victims, abusers and their children.

“Operation for HOPE Foundation strives to address the tragedy of domestic violence by creating awareness about the issue, its pervasiveness, and by providing information about resources available for those who need help. The HOPE is that people will come to understand the joy of healthy relationships and patterns of domestic violence will begin to lose its grip on our culture,” said Laurie Mallon, sister to Ron Ruse Jr., murdered by his ex-girlfriend in 1987.

Break the silence and ask the question. If you know or suspect someone is in need of help, ask them, “Are you safe?” This can be the beginning of a conversation that can lead to resources that can help.

Relationships inside and outside the home should be violence-free and filled with respect, equality, honesty, communication, support and trust. If you live in fear because someone is or has threatened to harm you or someone you love physically and/or emotionally, these behaviors are not your fault. To stop them from continuing to control your life, you need to seek help. It’s not hopeless. Help is available!

Emergencies: Call 911.

Create your safety plan. Talk to someone you trust.

24-Hour Confidential Domestic Violence Help

• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-SAFE (7233)
• National Dating Abuse Helpline, 866-331-9474
• California Youth Crisis Line, 800-843-5200
• San Diego Domestic Violence Hotline, 888-385-4657

Look for this column the first Thursday of each month as we share stories that end violence and help us break the silence.