DearSugar -- Just ask.

Dear Poll: Have You, or Anyone You Know, Ever Been in an Abusive Relationship?

DearSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 07:00:00 -0700

To wrap up our coverage of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I wanted to take things to a personal level. I've given you all sorts of helpful information and advice to use if you or anyone you know has ever been in an abusive relationship, but seeing just how many of you actually have would be very powerful to see. Blanket statistics are just numbers, but seeing how women in your own community have been affected is sure to resonate more profoundly. So since this poll is completely anonymous, please share a little bit about yourselves and tell us, have you or anyone you know ever been in an abusive relationship? Source

Dear Poll: Have You, or Anyone You Know, Ever Been in an Abusive Relationship?

I have been in an abusive relationship.

I have been in an abusive relationship and I know other people that have too.

I know people that have been in an abusive relationship, but I myself have not.

I don't know anyone, to my knowledge, that has ever been in an abusive relationship.

Other — Please share below.

You Asked: Should I Leave My Boyfriend?

DearSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

At what point do I end a relationship with someone I truly love who has a temper, who treats me badly, but always say he's going to change? And how do I end this relationship when I am always wanting and willing to accept his apologies and take him back? He is my everything and I don't know what to do. Please help! — Reliant Rachel

To see DearSugar's answer,

The How-To Lounge: Deciphering an Abusive Relationship

DearSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Throughout October, I will be bringing you very important information about domestic violence and how you can protect yourself and the people around you. As we all know, abuse does not belong in any relationship so if your friend or someone you know is in an unhealthy situation, or if you're noticing a change in a friend's behavior — she's feeling ashamed, hopeless, or frightened — be sure to check out my tips on how to help.

Click here to

The RESPECT! Campaign and Domestic Violence Awareness Month

DearSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:45:00 -0700

The following information about female abuse might shock you. In fact, I hope it does so that you'll join the fight to prevent domestic abuse: The United Nations Development Fund for Women estimates that at least one out of every three women globally will be beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime, with rates reaching 70 percent in some countries. Additionally, a World Health Organization report found that in women ages 15-44 years, violence accounts for more death and disability than cancer, malaria, traffic injuries and war put together.

Oct. 1 kicks off Domestic Violence Prevention Month and Sugar Inc. is joining forces with the Family Violence Prevention Fund to help educate you and raise awareness about domestic abuse, sexual assault, and child abuse here at home as well as internationally.

To learn more about the International Violence Prevention Act, the centerpiece of this campaign, be sure to check in with my friends over at CitizenSugar. I'll also be bringing you information throughout the month of October on this ever important campaign, but in the meantime, take action yourself by making sure your member of Congress has already signed on to co-sponsor the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA). You can also participate in the RESPECT! Campaign by purchasing and wearing RESPECT! on your wrist (half the proceeds benefit the RESPECT! Campaign) or by sending your support via text.

Source

All We're Asking Is For a Little Respect

DearSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:45:00 -0700

We talk a lot about respect on DearSugar, so today's National Respect Day caught my eye. The RESPECT! Campaign is adding more meaning to this important word by educating people about domestic violence. So I'm excited to announce that the Sugar Network is partnering with the Family Violence Prevention Fund to raise awareness about sexual assault and take a stand against child abuse.

Do you know that one in three women will experience some form of abuse in her lifetime? It's a pretty scary statistic, and the RESPECT! Campaign wants to be part of the solution. The multiyear campaign kicks off today, Sept. 19 — the first-annual National Respect Day — and since DearSugar is an official partner, I'll be bringing you all sorts of educational posts throughout the month of October, with statistics on family violence and how you can help prevent it.

Prominent men like Tyson Beckford are lending their voices to the effort, and anyone can get involved by purchasing the official RESPECT! bracelet or making a donation by texting the word "RESPECT" from your cell phone. Meanwhile, you can join the RESPECT! group on TeamSugar, and be sure to add GiveRespect as a friend.