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October is domestic violence month, but domestic violence does not end with Halloween. “On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year,” reports the National Violence Hotline.Recently domestic violence took a national stage when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated to the world that the NFL “got it wrong.” Remorse flooded the tv screen for the manner in which the situation was handled – or mishandled – allegations that NFL football players Ray Rice and Adrian Petersen had committed domestic violence. Sadly, it took an NFL headline to draw attention to what is clearly an epidemic.
Ana Hawk, outspoken founder of InstantBarter, is committed to spread the message year round. “It is the intention of Instant Barter that regular posts on social media and elsewhere, will help educate and remind everyone – victims, perpetrators, would-be perpetrators and the public – that domestic violence is unacceptable and that there are places victims can go when every door to them seems closed.”
One of those places is the Red Paperclip Center, a nonprofit Center (address withheld) providing refuge for those in need of help. Take for example Sarah and two children, Tony and Patty. A victim of physical abuse, which has occurred in front of the children, Sarah found the Center, but needed new clothes and essentials after leaving everything behind. Tony and Patty also needed tutoring for school, counseling and healing.
“The Red Paperclip Center offered that young family a safe place to stay while figuring out what to do with their lives,” said Ana, whose Instant Barter formed the non-profit to provide a year-round safe haven. “Many times, Victims leave with the shirts on their backs; without a dime, but often times, have valuable skills. Once families get settled in places like the Red Paperclip Center, the primary objective is to get back on their feet. Necessities and even some luxuries can be bartered, so Instant Barter offers hope and an actual, practical way to re-start their lives.”
Dr. Denise Brimmer, CEO of ACD Christian Business Design, an Instant Barter member, explained how the system can work for victims of domestic violence: “Battered women need to build self-esteem and validate their valuable skills. During the healing process, barter enables these victims of abuse to work and trade for things that they need and want. One call to Ana, and life can truly change. It is even within reach to become an entrepreneur, rising from such a low point and building a new life.”
Writing for TheHill.com of the nation’s capitol, journalists Alberto R. Gonzales and Ellen A. Black state: “Today, domestic violence affects approximately one in three women according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Women capture the primary focus of the domestic violence debate, representing an overwhelming proportion of domestic abuse victims… [But] it strikes all races, ages, and socioeconomic groups. Perhaps not surprising, domestic violence touches all parts of the globe…”
Taking a whole month to aim the spotlight at domestic violence is a good thing. But for women like Ana Hawk and Dr. Brimmer, and places like the Red Paperclip Center, a year-round commitment has replaced that monthly, once-yearly recognition. And if enough people were to join them, perhaps October Domestic Violence month would no longer be necessary.
Ana Hawk is the founder/CEO of Instant Barter, LLC. Instant Barter is the fastest growing barter company in the world, dedicated to educating people on how to use what they already have to get what they need right now, and to growing their lives and businesses in a challenging economy, thereby enabling them to propose and live an abundant lifestyle. The IRS views trade and barter dollars just like it views cash, checks or credit card transactions. An example perhaps, everyone should follow.
Contact Info:
Name: Ana Hawk
Email: Send Email
Organization: Instant Barter
Phone: 480-648-4296
Website: http://InstantBarter.com
Release ID: 67074
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