A Silent Epidemic

Domestic violence manifests itself in many ways. But, despite the turmoil behind closed doors, it often goes unnoticed in the public eye before it's too late. I'm fortunate to never have experienced such a nightmare, but my heart goes out to everyone who suffers under the silent cloud of fear and shame.

*Photo from NCADV.org*

Here are some USA-based facts from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (www.ncadv.org):

• One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. 
• An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.
• 85% of domestic violence victims are women.
• Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew.
• Females who are 20-24 years of age are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence.
• Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.

In my home state of Kentucky, these facts are quite sobering: 

• Kentucky’s spouse abuse programs received 33,027 domestic violence related calls  and 61,788 calls requesting information and referrals in FY 2006. 
• 3,786 victims of domestic violence were sheltered in in Kentucky in FY 2006.
• 22,269 domestic violence allegations were investigated by Kentucky State Police in FY 2004
• The state of Kentucky was unable to shelter 1,316 individuals in 2006.
• Kentucky State Police reports that there were 10,159 Emergency Protective Orders and 25,967 Domestic Violence Protective Orders issued in Kentucky District Courts in FY 2006.

The facts may seem overwhelming. Perhaps you think:

What can I do? 

I'm just one person.

 If I don't know someone's in danger, how can I help?

This is where the NCADV steps in. By supporting this organization, you're helping in their fight to make every home a safe home. The NCADV works to eliminate domestic violence by empowering victims, supporting local programs, and educating the public about how to recognize abuse and what do do about it. 

In our joint effort to support this organization, twenty authors have compiled an anthology of holiday-themed stories called Christmas Lites II. ALL proceeds will go to the NCADV. Last year's Christmas Lites raised $500. Let's break that record! Purchase your digital or print copy of Christmas Lites II from one of these online retailers:

Amazon.com **4 for the price of 3 print deal!**   

Smashwords

Barnes & Noble

Kobo Books