"The Lies Of A Smile" - Domestic Violence Awareness Month

A smile can be very deceptive expression.  We smile when we are happy, and sometimes all
we can do is smile to keep from crying. 
We smile when we want to forget our problems.  We smile when we do not know anything else to
do.  We smile when we want to believe
everything will be okay.  We put on a
smile daily for people in our family, friends, and co-workers because if they
knew what was behind the smile they would think twice about sharing their
problems, or complaints.  They would
understand that behind this smile is a person in pain. 

October is domestic violence month, and we all know someone
or you may have been a victim of domestic violence.  A couple of weeks ago, I found out a woman
that I see every other Friday is a victim of domestic violence.  I have a standard appointment at the hair
salon, so I can unwind and get a little pampered.  This woman has the same appointment as
me.  It’s a group of regular ladies that
comes on this particular Friday.  We all
joke around with each other, gossip about the latest reality show, and Scandal
of course.  We talk about what we have
planned for the weekend and any upcoming trips. 
It’s like a group of friends that meet every other Friday. 

This particular Friday, one lady did not show up and quickly
we learned that she is a victim of domestic violence.  Some of us knew what she was dealing with,
while others like me did not.  We only
saw the smile she put on every other Friday to us.  We saw her laughing and joking for those 2-3
hours together. 

The Truth is… according to Safe Horizon Statistics and
Facts:

One in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their
lifetime.

Women experience more than 4 million physical assaults and
rapes because of their partners, and men are victims of nearly 3 million
physical assaults.

Women are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner
than men.

Women ages 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of becoming victims
of domestic violence.

Every year, 1 in 3 women who are a victim of homicide is
murdered by her current or former partner.

Domestic violence is becoming more and more common.  We have to change the statistics.  We have to start speaking up and speaking
out.  Do not let a smile deceive you into
thinking everything is fine.  Speak Up
and Speak Out!