Dear Deb

Dear Deb...

Q. Dear Deb... If I knew that someone was abusing a child could I file a complaint with someone to investigate further. - M

A. Dear M... Try calling the National Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD. You could also look in the Yellow Pages or local phone directory under "child abuse" and see if there is a hotline number or agency especially set up to receive calls about suspected abuse and neglect. If you cannot find such a number, you might call the local child protective service agency or department of human services from your State, county, or local jurisdiction. If I can help further, just ask. - Deb

another letter on this subject:
Q. Dear Deb...I am troubled deeply . I have a relative who has been abusive to a woman that is like part of family, I care very much for this woman and her two daughters. I CAN NOT deal with the violence. She came from an abusive first husband, REAL VIOLENT . I don't understand why cowards like that always seem to have and keep these woman. I am 39 yrs of age married twice. NEVER could I or would I strike a woman and yet I'm depressed because I have no kids or one who really loves me!!!!!!!

why?????????????????

A. Dear Depressed... Life can seem so unfair at times.

Here are a couple of links for you with some interesting reading on the subject.

Facts and Myths about Domestic Violence
For survivors of domestic violence
NOW and Violence Against Women
Abuse

Dear Deb... I got this in an e-mail today and just wanted to pass it on....

I got flowers today. It wasn't my birthday or any other special day. We had our first argument last night, and he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me. I know he is sorry and didn't mean the things he said. Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. It wasn't our anniversary or any other special day. Last night, he threw me into a wall and started to choke me. It seemed like a nightmare. I couldn't believe it was real. I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. I know he must be sorry. Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today, and it wasn't Mother's Day or any other special day. Last night, he beat me up again. And it was much worse than all the other times. If I leave him, what will I do? How will I take care of my kids? What about money? I'm afraid of him and scared to leave. But I know he must be sorry. Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. Today was a very special day. It was the day of my funeral. Last night, he finally killed me. He beat me to death. If only I had gathered enough courage and strength to leave him, I would not have gotten flowers...today.

STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TODAY!!! DO NOT TOLERATE IT!!!!! 2000/EVER

Words of wisdom from someone who knows...

I was there and know what it's like. From the beginning of my life, married not once, but twice to two very abusive husbands. Leave a man who abuses you, and you become "programmed" to accept this kind of behavior. You are worth so much more than that. When a woman breaks away from an abusive man, life will be hard for awhile financially, and emotionally, but down the road you will be so glad you had to go thru the hardship, because this hardship will reap rewards in the long run. Instead of being buried six feet under because you were afraid of the change and hardship....trust me, I have been there.

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(Scroll up to read letters on abuse and domestic violence)

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