Voices Against Violence

Domestic violence is often called the silent pandemic because it happens behind closed doors and because we’ve been conditioned not to talk about the unsavory side of our relationships. Growing up I often heard the adage ‘don’t air your dirty laundry in public’. In other words, what happened at home was supposed to stay at home.  Domestic violence doesn’t get talked about and, for many valid reasons, often doesn’t get reported. According to data from the Department of Justice, approximately 46% of cases go unreported while other agencies put that number as high as 70%.  

The shame and stigma attached to domestic and sexual violence is a significant factor in those crimes being unreported. Shame thrives in darkness, in secrecy. In the years since the Me Too movement, we’ve seen dozens of survivors bravely come forward to share harrowing allegations of harassment and abuse they experienced at the hands of high profile people. Often those stories make headlines because of one person or a few people who decided to speak out.  

Other issues that we don’t talk about include mental health, consent, aging, racial disparities, and death. It’s easy to understand why those topics are considered off-limits: they’re hard to discuss, and they make us uncomfortable. However, no problem is solved, no difficulty overcome by ignoring it. We have to be willing to engage in hard conversations. We have to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.  

Let’s normalize talking about domestic and sexual violence, health and unhealthy relationships, red flags, and consent. Talking openly and honestly about these issues help remove some of the stigma associated with them. Having these conversations helps to raise awareness, address misinformation and stereotypes, and lets survivors know that they’re not alone. We can’t all work for a domestic violence nonprofit, but we can all use our voice to support survivors and raise awareness.

Whoever you are, wherever you are you can be a voice against violence.  

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Harmony House

The mission of Harmony House is to provide shelter, advocacy and education to survivors of domestic violence and promote the principle that all individuals have the right to life free of abuse.

Since 1976, our emergency shelter and supportive outreach case management programs have offered individuals and their children the opportunity to rest and heal both emotionally and physically in a supportive environment. We believe you. You are not alone and we can help!

If you or someone you know is living in an abusive situation, call 417–864-SAFE (7233) to speak with an advocate.

Click here to learn more about Harmony House