How many of us can count the number of times we complained about our circumstances or situations over the past two months? I know I have once or twice.
As of recent, I was honored to be a part of two national campaigns for both Habitat for Humanity and the Sojourner Truth Project.
One in particular I would like to share about, because although many of us are fortunate to be able to stay home in these current circumstances in a comfortable and safe environment - this is not everyone’s reality.
❗️This is NOT my story.➡️It’s the real story of a survivor of domestic violence.
Many survivors cannot speak publicly. So I am supporting her and sharing her story#UntilSheCan.
If you would like to help, one option is to donate to: Sojourner Family Peace Center or your local survivor support provider.
Learn more at familypeacecenter.org
Domestic violence is at an all-time high. According to the National Coalition against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. Cities across our nation have seen double-digital increase in domestic violence cases since the pandemic. That is why survivors need hope and support now more than ever. Victims face overwhelming barriers to escape abusive homes, but we rarely hear the stories until it’s too late. The truth is, many survivors cannot speak publicly - for reasons of safety, healing or both.
Romans 15:1 says: We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
That is why I teamed up with The Sourjorner Truth Project to give the voiceless a voice.
They are the largest nonprofit provider of domestic violence prevention and intervention services in Wisconsin.
They just launched the #UntilSheCan campaign as a global rally cry, shedding light on a topic few choose to discuss.
I knew that, although I couldn’t do much financially I could give of my voice to this cause and help.
The Facts are astonishing.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the US. That’s more than 10 million women and men annually.
1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence.
In 2019 alone, Sojourner made 80,500 contacts with over 11,800 clients. Of those served, nearly 80% of survivors reported an annual household income of less than $15,000 and the vast majority of clients resided in Milwaukee’s poorest neighborhoods.
I think that in these times, when it is so easy to focus on ourselves and our own situations and lives and ways that we feel are unfair or disadvantaged…it is enlightening to hear stories from those who have had it much worse. What is really important is opening our eyes beyond the comfort of our homes.
We can make this world a better place, one small act of selflessness at a time.
And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Luke 3:10-11
This time has given me more opportunity to reflect what is important and it always comes back to how I can impact others. So in this time, I urge you to think of what you can do to impact those around you.
I want to leave you with one more thing, one of the verses I have tried to live by my whole life.
Luke 12:48 To whom much is given, much will be required.
SO instead of getting in a rut of occasional complaining, let’s think of all of our blessings and how we can share what we have with those who need it most.
Your Girl Next Door and So Much More,
Danika Tramburg