Holiday of Consideration, Not Assault! #DomesticViolence

BY DENNIS LINAM

DEC. 22, 2014

“Oklahoma Domestic Homicide statistics have went from number 11 to number 4 in the nation.”

(Melinda McQueen, Executive Director of the Chickasha Women’s Service & Family Resource Center)

In 2014 Grady County toxic relationships were major headlines throughout the year. A news report from the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board shows an increase in domestic homicides. According to the Chickasha Police Department blotter, four incidences of domestic violence happened between December 19 and the 22^nd.

As we approach the Holiday Season take the time to redirect frustrations and anxieties through productive activities like helping out at the local homeless shelter and showing extra appreciation of family.

(According to National Coalition against Domestic Violence)

In the US 4 million women, nearly 7 a minute are battered.

5 million intimate partner victimization occur with nearly 2 million injuries and nearly 1,300 deaths.

1 in 3 experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

In the time it takes me to talk to you, 26 people will be assaulted by an intimate partner in the U.S. In roughly 48 hours afterwords, thousands around the world will be killed or abused…

Do not be a statistic save these numbers:

For immediate Help call:

In Chickasha call                    405-224-8256

The Crisis Center Crisis:         405-222-1818

Crisis Hotline:                         800-734-4117 (In state only)

Or visit the Chickasha Women’s Service & Family Resource Center at 1628 South 17th Street.

7 Signs of Toxic Relationships

By Dennis Linam

November 21, 2014

In Grady County 2014 toxic relationships were major headlines. What happened? Boyfriend admitting to killing girlfriend, and a recent execution style murder of a friend. In both cases the significant other was abused. In the latter one victim was forced to watch while the boyfriend turned a shotgun on her friend. No one saw the signs… or were friends, family and the victims afraid?

Even the most loving and stable relationship has problems. When one side builds a wall of emotional or physical superiority over the other, rehashing the connection may save a life. Anyone can be lured into a toxic relationship, and recognizing toxicity is vital to getting out, or staying away.

 Retrieved from Watchwellcast. (2014)

Susan Swann of Familyshare Provides This Toxic Watch List

Watch for:

1. Continuous controlling or intimidating acts.
2. Caught in multiple lies.
3. Continuously making you feel sorry for them.
4. Continuous chaotic activity.
5. Constant negativity and gossiping.
6. Belittling to others (shouting at you or mean to you in private or in front of others).
7. Continuously explaining situations to others without allowing your input.

How to disengage provided by psychologytoday.com authors Rosemary K.M. Sword and Philip Zimbardo, Ph.D.

How to End Toxic Relationships:

1. Step out of denial!
2. Identify the perks (discover how you feel in the present) .
3. Fill the hole, (Find alternative sources of peace).
4. Surround yourself with positive.
5. Heal the shame (replace past negative with a bright future positive

Huffington Post. (2014) Picture of columnist and blogger Soraya Chemaly. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com

“In the time it takes me to write this paragraph, 26 people — given our statistics probably all women —will be assaulted by an intimate partner in the U.S. In the roughly 48 hours between my writing and posting, at least six women in the U.S. and hundreds if not thousands around the world will be killed… (Soraya Chemaly writer for the Huffington Post).

For immediate Help

PO Box 1539
Chickasha, OK 73023
405-224-8256
Crisis Center Crisis: 405-222-1818
Crisis: 800-734-4117 (In state only)
Fax: 405-224-4406 Chickasha Women’s Service & Family Resource Center. Web Address: http://ocadvsa.org/get-help/