Domestic Violence

A friend wrote me today to tell me she is leaving her husband due to some domestic violence issues. She wants to protect her children so she is moving away from him as soon as she can. I feel powerless to help her other than sending my her my love and offering emotional support during this difficult transition.

This news of domestic violence hits quite a nerve for me. I really want to finish a degree in Women's Studies as this type of violence disproportionately effects women worldwide. My family and I have faced this very same issue in our lives. I even lost a babysitter when I was a little girl when Darcy's ex killed her and stuffed her in the trunk of a car abandoned in an empty field. The murder left her young son orphaned. That may be a dramatic example, but a necessary visual which, I think, serves the point that violence directed toward women is serious. As serious as death. I am scared for my friend.

So, I brainstormed a way I could help my friend and ultimately help others facing leaving domestic violence situations. For now, I am making silk flower accessories to sell in my Etsy shop as a first step. One-hundred percent of the sales of these flowers will go directly to my friend and hopefully, upon further research, to a reputable agency helping women in need. This issue is near and dear to my heart. I hope that my contribution will be of some help. If anyone out in the web world has ideas for me, please let me know. At this point I only have my creativity and a stash of random craft supplies at my disposal.

Here is an example of what I think I will make. This particular flower is actually for sale at Olibella and not part of the charity. Others like the one pictured below will be in my shop shortly. Thanks for reading, I hope this issue hits home for you as well. Blessings!

Silk Flower Hair Clip