You know what would be a good way to help stop domestic violence?  Well, a Danish advocacy group thinks they have the answer.  It’s a new online game entitled “Hit The Bitch” where you can simulate beating your girlfriend until she is black and blue with just the click of a button.  My blood is boiling!  Is this the new wave of advocacy?  Is this a new way to discourage domestic violence by letting you slap a women as much as you want?My mouth is still wide open in amazement.  It’s true.  It’s real.  It’s out there.  It’s online for kids to play and laugh at over and over and over again because, in this game, it apparently takes 10 virtual slaps with the stroke of the computer mouse to get to the finish line.  So, make sure not to give up before she’s thoroughly bruised because the score results in either 100% Pussy or 100% Gangsta.  But, wait…there’s a catch!  You become 100% Idiot!  Really?  Is this what we’ve succumb to?  We’re resulting to an online game that is suppose to make us feel guilty, like a real-life abuser might, for continuing to hit the woman just to see what happens next?  I think something has gone terribly wrong with this campaign!

Violence in video games, music lyrics, literature, general ordinary everyday behavior is apparent enough.  We need to be creating things with the message that violence in any way, shape, form, or online game is wrong.  Hands, or the click of a mouse, should not be for hitting.  We should be trying to promote healthy relationships and the respect of women.  Always.  Always.  I’ll say it one more time…Always!

Coverage on NBC in Springfield, MO

Article from News-Leader in Springfield, MO -

As October, Domestic Violence Awareness month, winds down, there’s a great opportunity tonight to learn more about this pernicious problem.

“Sin by Silence,” a documentary focusing on domestic violence from a survivor’s perspective, will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Landers Theatre in Springfield.

It’s about women sent to prison for killing abusive partners years ago, when options for fighting domestic violence were few, and the problem did not get enough attention.

After the film, a panel discussion will include the film’s director; one of the women featured in the film, who was released from prison in October 2008; Rodney Dwyer, executive director of the Family Violence Center in Springfield; and Kendall Seal, an attorney from Legal Services of Southern Missouri.

The documentary centers on inmates in California and how they started a group called Convicted Women Against Abuse two decades ago. If you’re wondering what that might have to do with you in Missouri today, some statistics might help.

In 2008, according to a Highway Patrol statistical analysis, Missouri experienced 31,632 domestic violence incidents, including 54 homicides.

For the past five years, a special annual report done by Springfield/Greene County civic groups has cited domestic violence as a “red flag.”

The 2009 report says, “Greene County’s domestic violence rate has been nearly double the state average since the 2004 Community Focus report.”

Other statistics from Dwyer, of the Family Violence Center, raise more alarm. In 2008, the center’s shelter provided 24,000 “safe bed” nights and 37,000 meals. In its 32 years of operation, the center estimates it has protected 10,000 women and children.

If you cannot get to the movie tonight and make a donation — proceeds benefit the family center and the Springfield Regional Arts Council — there are other ways to help.

The center always needs cleaning supplies, toilet paper, trash bags, towels, clothes and sheets — and volunteers.

Call 837-7700 or go to the Web site familyviolencecenter.org to learn more.

Most important, though, Dwyer and others say, are these numbers: 417-864-SAFE or 800-831-6863. Share it with anyone who needs help.

It’s not like the old days.

People care.

They will help.

A safe place is not far away.

As October, Domestic Violence Awareness month, winds down, there’s a great opportunity tonight to learn more about this pernicious problem.

“Sin by Silence,” a documentary focusing on domestic violence from a survivor’s perspective, will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Landers Theatre in Springfield.

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Coverage on ABC news in Topeka, KS - click here to view the clip

“A powerful film advocated for a future free from domestic violence Tuesday night.

People gathered to watch a screening of “Sin by Silence.”

Its about a group of women inmates called the Convicted Women Against Abuse.

In the film, they expose misconceptions about domestic violence, the lack of options available to women and how it affects all of us.

The film is one of many events for the YWCA’s Week Without Violence.”

Article from Journal & Courier in Lafayette, IN -

As the sun set Thursday, a somber group of more than 200 carried lit candles out of the YWCA and marched down Sixth Street in Lafayette.

The crowd was headed toward Duncan Hall, on Ferry Street, in a show of solidarity for the victims and survivors of domestic violence. Coordinated by the YWCA, the event included the showing of a documentary chronicling the tales of women who were imprisoned after killing their abusers.

The idea was to bring awareness to an issue that often lurks silently within the country’s domestic fabric.

“This event is important for this community because I think there’s a lot of myths associated with domestic violence,” said Danielle Gaylord, director of the YWCA’s domestic violence intervention and prevention program. “One of those myths is that it doesn’t happen in this community.”

As part of the event, the film’s director and one of its featured women spoke to the crowd at Duncan Hall.

The screening and talks were part of a national outreach tour traveling to the 10 states with the worst domestic violence statistics, said Olivia Klaus, the Los-Angeles based director and producer behind “Sin by Silence.”

The domestic violence referenced in the film was particularly personal to Denise Powell, who sought help at the YWCA after an abusive boyfriend threatened to kill her.

“This is a way to let people know that it does happen in this community, and it’s very serious,” said Powell, who attended the event.

Joy Dugan, who teaches consumer family sciences at Purdue Extension, said events such as the one Thursday are important to help residents realize that domestic violence affects the entire community.

“It needs to be addressed as a community issue,” she said.

Klaus said the film is her way of illuminating the tragedy of domestic violence and providing a catalyst for change.

“Laws are not able to change what goes on behind closed doors,” she said. “But what we can do is partner with the community and community organizations so people can just be aware, and know the warning signs.”

The event was part of a series the YWCA planned in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Gaylord said.
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