13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Shattering the Silence
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 Is your home filled with constant fussing and fighting, and sometimes, physical abuse? Some experts say domestic abuse is a form of terrorism for our children. It is not always physical abuse – sometimes, it is mental, emotional, or verbal abuse that tears apart our homes.For seven years now, WTHR Channel 13 has been Shattering the Silence on domestic abuse - bringing the issue out of the shadows. Domestic abuse affects one in four American families, and children who live in homes filled with abuse have a greater risk of repeating the cycle - becoming abuse victims or abusers. We shatter the silence year-round, but we have just launched our seventh annual summer campaign on domestic abuse. In July and August, you will see special PSA's, news series, and profiles of domestic abuse service agencies. This year, we will focus on the impact of domestic abuse on children. Indiana studies show that each year, more than 20,000 Hoosier children are abused and neglected. Sometimes children are abused physically, along with a parent in the home. Sometimes children are abused emotionally by witnessing the abuse of a parent. You can call 1-800-Children to get advice on becoming a better parent because our ‘Kids Can’t Wait’. Prevent Child Abuse Indiana is promoting that phone line and you’ll see more information below. This year, we will also focus on teen dating abuse which seems to be a growing problem nationally. Studies show that as many as one in eleven young people – both girls and boys – have been victims of physical dating abuse. One in five high school girls has been physically or sexually abused by a dating partner. And teenagers often carry unhealthy relationship patterns into future relationships. Each year, we urge abuse victims - men, women and children - to seek help, and we urge the community to take a stand against abuse. This web page is designed to encourage you to bring domestic abuse 'out of the shadows'. You can get educated about the problem, get involved in finding solutions, and help build a healthier Central Indiana community. Below, you’ll find information about the 21 ways you can shatter the silence on domestic abuse; you’ll see how you can donate your time or money to Central Indiana domestic abuse agencies; you’ll see the red flags of relationship abuse and learn how to make a safety plan, if you choose to leave an abuser; and you can learn more about ‘Choose Respect’ – a website from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that teaches teenagers how to have healthy relationships and prevent dating abuse. ‘Choose Respect’ also contains great information for parents to help guide their children into healthy relationships. Community experts define domestic abuse as "the use of power and control within an intimate relationship that threatens a person's well being." It affects all ages, both men and women, and people from all socioeconomic levels - the rich, the middle-class, and the poor. Domestic abuse impacts your neighbors, co-workers, friends, and families. It endangers communities because statistics show abusive men and women are more likely to engage in criminal behavior. Please join us in Shattering the Silence. You can make a difference in someone’s life. If you are in an abusive relationship, or know someone who is, call for help right now at 317-926-HELP (4357). |
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WTHR Channel 13 partners with Prevent Child Abuse Indiana for an initiative, "Kids Can't Wait." More>>
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Making the decision to leave is difficult and at times can it can increase your risks, that is why you need to have safety plan as your prepare to make this important step to improve your life. More>>
Who can you call? Where can you get more information? Here is a list of resources to help you get the help you may need. More>>
Studies show that children are aware of abuse in the home from a very early age. Witnessing abuse terrifies children and puts them at risk for long-term mental health and behavioral problems. More>>
Whether you are a victim of abuse or know someone who is, there are things you can do to help fight this problem, things that aren't as difficult as you might think. More>>
Make a donation to Central Indiana agencies that provide shelters, counseling, education, supportive services and advocacy for victims of domestic abuse. Your support is critical to help bring an end to domestic abuse in our community. More>>
There's more help now for victims of domestic violence in Indianapolis. More>>
An Indianapolis man faces a number of charges after police say he punched and pistol-whipped his girlfriend. More>>
Debbie Norris is shattering the silence on teen dating abuse to make sure her daughter's legacy lives on. More>>
Susan Harrell urges family, friends and the community to intervene for the sake of the children. More>>
A rally held Thursday aims to raise awareness and reach out to victims. More>>
For the seventh year, Channel 13 is bringing the issue of domestic abuse out of the shadows in our Shattering the Silence Campaign. This summer, we're urging you to join us and take action against this pervasive problem. Here is a listing of events that you can take part in to help Shatter the Silence. More>>
The Kroger Co. has issued a Challenge Grant to The Julian Center of up to $30,000 in support of its domestic violence shelter. Supporters of The Julian Center are encouraged to make an online donation today. The Kroger Co. will match dollar for dollar, the first $30,000 raised for The Julian Center! More>>
Hey, teens. You can watch a fascinating video with true teen stories from boys and girls who admit they've been abused in dating relationships. Find out how they're "choosing respect". More>>
Play an interactive game where you direct your own music video, as part of the "Choose Respect" campaign. More>>
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