Peace at Home – #NWARKCares

/ October 13, 2015

Peace at Home – #NWARKCarespeace, harmony, love

This is a topic near and dear to my heart.

There was a lot of tension in our house growing up. Although, I never witnessed anything, my mother told me that my father hit her, and I did see his anger and the tension between them. For a long time, I sided with my mother on family matters and disputes because I had only heard her version of their situation. Later, I realized things were not as black and white as my mom had suggested. No one deserves to be hit or abused. And, in my parents case, both of them contributed to the dynamics and problems that ultimately led to their divorce.

Growing up in a tense environment conditioned me to be a peacemaker. I try to smooth situations over, avoid conflict and be a bridge if possible. Beyond victimhood (whether from domestic violence or simply disempowering choices), we all need to learn how to be responsible and proactive in our lives. As part of my continuing support for peace, I’ve joined #NWARKCares, a local group of bloggers working to support various causes in NW Arkansas. This month we are bringing awareness to domestic violence and what can be done.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you know of anyone dealing with domestic violence.

  • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will be a victim of violence (of some form) by an intimate partner within their lifetime. (More stats at www.ncadv.org )
  • Abuse can be in many different forms, physical, sexual, mental, financial.
  • Victims/survivors need to be heard and believed.  Do NOT blame them.
  • 24-hour hotlines: 1-800-775-9011 and 1-877-442-9811
  • Abuse is costly for families, employers and communities.
  • Victims/survivors and witnesses to abuse are at a higher risk to be an abuser in their lifetime.
  • The barriers to restart one’s life can be daunting, both emotionally, logistically and financially.

domestic violence, #NWARKCaresPeace at Home is a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. I like their programs to protect and empower people to create confidence, courage and tools for healthy living. They have a proactive approach in teaching people to thrive and create healthy relationships. They also offer a 24-hour hotline, shelter, thrift shop, support groups and more. One way that I support them is to bring my donations to their thrift shop.

Please open your heart and offer what you can to reduce domestic violence and create more peace at home. Here are some other organizations working to help in NW Arkansas.

  1. Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter www.nwaws.org
  2. Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence www.domesticpeace.com
  3. Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault www.acasa.us
  4. The Junior League of Northwest Arkansas www.juniorleaguenwa.org

Consider how you might help; whether spreading the message, volunteering with a group that stirs your passion, or helping financially. Non-profits can always use more volunteers and funds. I also support Artists4Peace, where we use art to spread peace and love in the world.

May we live with more love and compassion. Blessings, Brad

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29 thoughts on “Peace at Home – #NWARKCares”

  6. I’m so glad you did this. I know this kind of thing can be hard to do, but our stories are meant to help others. And there are so many who need us to share our stories about abuse. My husband’s mother especially was a volative “queen of mean” and he still remembers his father’s head and arms being bloodied by things that broke when she threw them at him. And then after his parents split up, his mom just left one day without saying a thing and his grandparents took him in. James will be 80 this month and he still carries the scars of the abuse. Sadly it has even affected our relationship to some extent as well. In my case, it was my mom that committed some emotional abuse on her children. So thank you, Brad, for standing up at the plate and making a difference. Hugs and love, N 🙂 ❤

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    • Dear Natalie, It is my honor to stand up and help bring awareness to this topic. I’m sorry that you and your husband have both been touched by abuse. The issues often carry generation to generation unless we learn a better way. I believe as more of us learn to embrace our emotions and make responsible choices, we help bring more compassion to ourselves and others. May love and peace prevail. Blessings to you and yours.

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  7. Truly appreciate what you do to raise awareness to this crucial issue, Brad. Society could play role to be more aware of their community, paying attention to neighbors – like more caring for instance…Great topic and thank you for your care about this matter 🙂

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  8. Thank you so much for your honest writing and for sharing a part of yourself with us. I appreciate your courage and vulnerability. To me, those are qualities of the brave. I am coming to terms with abuse in my adult life. Not physical but emotional. It took me a long time to understand what was happening. But through a long and painful process, I now have become stronger and have gained a clearer understanding of how abuse can enter our lives. And the healing and freedom we can all have. Thank you for bringing awareness and educating more of us on this terrible scourge that exists behind closed doors. Bless you Brad for giving so much of yourself in your writings. Sharon

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    • Thank you for touching me with your kind comments Sharon. I don’t think of myself as brave, but do believe in sharing honestly and openly from the heart. If what I’ve learned or gone through can help others, then fantastic. I believe we gain by being open and vulnerable. I’m glad that you are finding healing and understanding from your experiences. Hugs and blessings to you Sharon.

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  9. I think Brad that is why we walk the peace road.. In my own childhood, I found out later it was 6 of one and Half a dozen of the other… Wonderful share dear Brad.. As children growing up in volatile situations is not always easy when moods swung..

    Love and Blessings to you Brad. and I thank you for your Peaceful and caring heart.. For all of your past has made you into the caring soul you are today.. So if you are like me.. I give thanks for the lessons.. xxx Love to you ❤ Sue

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