If you have ever tried to find statistics about the prevalence of domestic violence, you know how hard it can be. The numbers vary significantly based on the inputs — worldwide versus United States, violence against women as opposed to violence against women or children and men. In addition, many states do not specifically track crimes of domestic violence, making it difficult (or even impossible) to know how many of these offenses occur each year. Finally, domestic violen

When many of us think about domestic violence, we likely consider how it impacts the adult victim. Yet if there are children in the home, domestic violence affects them, too — even if they are not subject to the abuse themselves. It is important to understand these effects so that we can better protect kids from both the immediate harm and the consequences over their lifetimes. In the United States, more than 15 million children live in homes where domestic violence has happ

There is a common misconception around domestic violence — that it must involve some type of physical abuse. While many people who engage in domestic violence do hit, shove, or strangle their victims, domestic violence often involves more than physical harm. At its heart, domestic violence is about power and control. For this reason, people who abuse typically engage in many forms of domestic violence, including: Physical Verbal/emotional Psychological Sexual Destruction o

At Blackburn Center, we are always looking for innovative ways to raise awareness and educate the community about domestic and sexual violence. That’s why we jumped at the opportunity to participate in the Purple Purse Challenge this October — which also happens to be National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is the first time Blackburn Center has competed in the Challenge, which raised nearly $3.1 million in 2015 for 161 domestic violence organizations throughout th

Have you seen the hit show Empire? In many ways, it’s an incredible show, with strong female lead characters (especially Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon) and a dedication to address issues such as homophobia and mental illness. Yet for all of that, there is one major reason to not watch this show…one of its main characters, Lucious Lyon, is a sexist, homophobic abusive man, who happens to be played by an actor (Terrence Howard) with a long history of abusing women. The crea

If you’re on social media, chances are you’ve seen it: a picture of a hand with a black dot inked right in the center of the palm. The accompanying message informs you that the black dot is a “secret message” to professionals that the person is being abused. It seems like a fantastic campaign — it claims to raise awareness and help people in abusive relationships. And yet…it isn’t actually beneficial, and may in fact harm the people it intends to help. The problems with t

I walk because I want others to know I am there for them when they are ready to talk and they are not alone in their struggle. Too many feel they are isolated, and they need to know they are loved and respected. Why do YOU walk? ————————————————————————————- Please note that the views expressed by guest bloggers represent their own personal views, and not necessarily those of Blackburn Center. Learn More: Register for an Event Guest Bloggers Volunteer Donate #guestbloggers #

Last week, we highlighted the prevalence of dating violence among teenagers — and now, we’d like to talk about a problem that affects a different generation: the elderly. Elder abuse is a serious issue in this country, affecting some of our most vulnerable citizens. Each year, between 1.6 and 2 million seniors become victims of abuse and neglect. With our rapidly aging population, elder abuse is poised to become an even bigger problem — and one we must address head-on if

Every year, roughly 1 in 10 American teenagers experiences physical abuse at the hands of a dating partner. This sort of dating violence can lead to long-term effects, leaving survivors at increased risk of depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, poor academic performance, and future violence. Although February is officially Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, abuse between teenagers in relationships is a form of domestic violence — and it is just as important that

This month, we are exploring various issues surrounding domestic violence as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Today, we are tackling some basic facts about domestic violence. Share the correct information with people you know! FACT: Domestic violence is a huge problem; it is estimated that 1 in 4 women will be affected by domestic violence in her lifetime, and that 75% of Americans know someone who has experienced domestic violence. Men are also directly impacted

To many in our community, October is a month for visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards, viewing the gorgeous changing leaves, and preparing for Halloween. But for those of us whose lives have been affected by domestic violence, October has a different meaning: a time to raise awareness for domestic violence. This month, we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month and we ask you to participate to help us reach our goals of raising awareness and ultimately ending the