The Awareness Ribbon Campaign has come off to an overwhelmingly amazing start, with an incredible response so far to our campaign against domestic violence. So many people have submitted so many touching, gripping, and thought-provoking works that we have decided to extend our first campaign an extra week.

Domestic violence is a serious and destructive force. According to the American Bar Association’s Commission on Domestic Violence, approximately 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner annually in the United States. Intimate partner violence made up 20% of all nonfatal violent crime experienced by women in 2001. Intimate partners committed 3% of the nonfatal violence against men. In 2000, 1,247 women and 440 men were killed by an intimate partner. And in recent years, an intimate partner killed approximately 33% of female murder victims and 4% of male murder victims.

In other words, many people suffer its devastating effects and its victims are not limited to women. Men are often victims as well. How can you help in our campaign to raise awareness?

* Create a piece of original art speaking out against domestic violence.

* Write a story, poem, or piece of personal commentary on the subject.

* Create a button or a stamp helping to raise awareness.

* Create a journal talking about domestic violence, helping to raise awareness.

Or, you can provide us with the link to something you already have in your gallery.

We will feature your deviation in the journals of =Obsidian-Siren ([link]) and =peterdawes ([link]). We will also submit another news article on November 16, 2008, listing all of the deviations submitted to raise awareness for domestic violence and thanking everyone who featured the campaign in their journals. (Be sure to note =Obsidian-Siren or =peterdawes letting us know about your feature so we can include you. The links to all deviation submissions should be sent to either/both of us as well.)

Special Announcement

I would like to acknowledge how sensitive the subject matter of this campaign is. Having survived Domestic Violence myself, I know firsthand the thoughts, doubts and brain washing that goes on during such abuse. Most are powerless to break the cycle and even if they do, it's easy to get sucked back in.

Peter and I also acknowledge that there might be some out there who would like to tell their story but remain anonymous. Respectfully we say to you, tell your story, if that is your wish, by letting one of us know and we will publish it for you without your name attached. You will be assured your identity remain anonymous. If you wish to have a voice, please feel free to use us.

Thanks once again for helping us bring awareness to these horrific acts of violence, whether it be women, men or children, everyone matters.

If You Are In an Abusive Relationship

There are people who can help and there is hope!

Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Or visit their website: [link]

If you are a man in an abusive relationship, there is a website geared specially for men. [link]

For more information on domestic violence in general, visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website. [link]