Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself!

#BloggingForAwareness

Growing up in a home cursed with Domestic Violence is one of the worse situations that a child can be in. You try and teach your kids right from wrong, such as: "Never ever hit a girl.", "Don't be a bully." and/or "Stand up for yourself and what you believe in."

I've been around my fair share of Domestic Violence and Abuse throughout my 26 years and have heard many women say that they dealt with the abuse and stayed with their abusers for the sake of the children... "They need their father." they say OR "I don't want my kids to grow up in a broken home." There are many reasons to explain why victims don't leave their abusers and I understand and have witnessed most of them myself but watching and/or hearing your parents fight all the time is damaging! How can kids learn to not hurt others or stand up for themselves when you aren't doing the same?

Remember - Kids learn from what they see and from experience...

In other words:

"If a father beats his wife in front of his son,

What's to say when that boy starts to beat his wife and kids when he grows up?"

It sure does give you something to think about, Don't it?

Did You Know? - Domestic Violence Addition

Learn the Sad Truth about Domestic Violence and Abuse!

Did You Know...

• Most domestic violence incidents are never reported.
• Women are more likely to be killed by their intimate partner than men.
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men are victims of Domestic Violence
• Every 15 seconds, a woman is being beaten in the US. - Dept. of Justice
• Women between the ages 20-24 have the greatest risk of nonfatal Domestic Violence, involving their intimate partner.
• Domestic Violence affects all people, no matter your income - But... people with lower annual income are at a 3x higher risk for Domestic Violence than others who have a higher annual income.
• 3 out of 4 Americans either know someone personally who is or has been a victim of domestic violence or are victims themselves! (That's almost 75% of Americans!)
• On estimate, more than 3 women and 1 man are murdered by their intimate partners in the US every day.
• Women are victims of over 4 million physical assaults and rapes, because of their intimate partners.
• Men experience almost 3 million physical assaults from their partners.
• 1 out of 3 women who have been abused, have never told anyone.
• 64% of women who experience violence, have mentioned that their children have witnessed violence as well.
• More than 60% of Domestic Violence situations happen at home.
• Without help, Girls who are victims of Domestic Violence are more vulnerable to abuse as teens and adults.
• Without help, Boys who witness Domestic Violence are at a higher risk of becoming abusers of their own partners and/or children as adults, which continues the Cycle of Violence throughout the next generation.

I'm a Survivor and You can be too!

Content Sources:

dvrc-or.org

www.safehorizon.org

Photo Source:

www.peasexpeace.org

Buy a Candle - Save a Life

SoyL Scents

Stop Domestic Violence

Some of you may know that I sale candles from SoyL Scents. Since October is not only Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it's also the month of the Fall Season and Halloween. SoyL Scents have introduced a Limited Edition Candy Corn Scent Candle for Halloween as well as a Jack-O-Lantern Melter that are both selling like hot cakes. We also have a Santa Clause Melter for the ones who like to start early on the Winter shopping. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I've decided to donate my October profits from my earnings with SoyL Scents to help with local Domestic Violence Services in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Never heard of SoyL Scents before? Expect to be amazed!!

We sale many different kinds of Soy Candles than are all made in the USA! Our most popular candles are the Candle Gems where you are sure to find a Ring inside each jar that can be worth $10, $50, $100, $500 or even $1000!! We also have the Elemental Collection that have wooden wicks and are named and made with the elements in mind. SoyL Scents also have a Country Collection and a Tulip Collection that are both wonderful. You can also find many Soy Tarts and the Melter Gems come with a ring in ever package like with the Candle Gems. If you find yourself looking for natural soap then you will love the Soy Soap collection that we offer at SoyL Scents as well as the spa items and room spray. There is also a large selection of full size Melters as well as plug-in Melters that are sure to add warmness to any home. They also make wonderful gifts for Holidays, Birthdays, for Teachers, saying Thank you and so much more!

You can view all of our available items at: http://mysoylscents.com/ID/scentiousfaerie/

We sale much more than regular ol' candles at SoyL Scents! 

You must use/visit the link above for the proceeds to be donated to Domestic Violence Awareness. You can also contact me by leaving a message at (828) 301-2358. If you decide to leave a message, make sure to leave: -- Your Name, Contact Number and Reason for your call, in your message so I know to return the call as soon as possible. You can also reach me via email at AutoFaerie@gmail.com

Domestic Violence Awareness -- "I Got Flowers Today" - Poem

(Dedicated to Battered Women)

I got flowers today!

It wasn't my birthday or any other special day. We had our first argument last night; He said a lot of cruel things that really hurt; I know that he is sorry and didn't mean to say the things he said; Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today.

It wasn't our anniversary or any other special day. Last night, he threw me into a wall and started to choke me. It seemed like a nightmare. I couldn't believe that it was real. I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. I know he must be sorry. Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today!

It wasn't our anniversary or any other special day; Last night he threw me into a wall and then started choking me; It seemed unreal, a nightmare, but you wake up from nightmares; And I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over—but I know he is sorry; Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today!

And it wasn't Valentines Day or any other special day; Last night he beat me and threatened to kill me; Make-up and long sleeves didn't hide the cuts and bruises this time; I couldn't go to work today because I didn't want anyone to know—but I know he’s sorry; Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today! And it wasn't Mother’s Day or any other special day; Last night he beat me again, and it was much worse than all of the other times;

If I leave him, what will I do?

 How will I take care of the kids? What about money? I’m afraid of him, but I’m too scared and dependent to leave him!

But he must be sorry; Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today….

Today was a special day — it was the day of my funeral; Last night he killed me; If only I would have gathered the courage and strength to leave him; I could have received help from the Women’s Shelter, but I didn't ask for their help;

So I got flowers today—for the last time.

- Author Unknown -

Poem Source - Domestic Violence Angels on Facebook

Being a Survivor, I know the feelings that you go through when your being abused. It comes out of no where and even though that person just hurt you, they've been your "right-hand man" for years! Alot of times it takes alot for a woman to hit her breaking point. We can handle alot and we know what Love and Hatred looks like... We're not stupid, we're just scared, lost and alone. Most people ,who are being abused, just need someone who truly cares about them and shows that love on a daily basis. This person can be a friend, parent, family member... As long as she can trust someone and see that she is loved and needed in this world, She will Survive!

The Shade of Purple - Domestic Violence Awareness Poem

The Shade of Purple

Early morning dew resting on a Morning Glory,

They make the prettiest shade of purple.

Freshly picked blackberries being eaten off the vine,

Leaving stains in a yummy shade of purple.

A night out with the girls in your bran’ new dress,

Purchased in such a stylish shade of purple.

Bruises appearing after a tough night at home,

Forming shapes in a shameful shade of purple.

A brightly colored ribbon made for awareness

Spreading the word in the perfect shade of purple.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month,
Proudly wearing a Ribbon in a bold shade of purple!

Written By

Autumn B.

Are you wearing a Purple Ribbon?

I'll be having many events this month in hope to raise funds and awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness and Services!

Follow us on Facebook to keep up with the Events!

Donate using the button below

or

Click to view our Causes Campaign

If you would like to Donate to the Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign on My Kind Of Introduction, Use the button below! All collections will be used to benefit Domestic Violence Services in North Carolina and are greatly appreciated!

California modified the Three Strikes Law & Domestic Violence Victims are Suffering!

California recently modified Proposition 36

also known as the Three Strikes Law

Learn more below about how these changes to the law have affected Domestic Violence Victims in California and if you agree with what the following petition stands for then please add your signature below and show your support for each and every Domestic Violence Victim that is suffering in this crazy world that we live in!

(I am not a resident of California nor have I ever visited the state. I'm supporting this petition in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the many victims that can't or don't know how to get the help that is available to them.)

Recently, California modified Proposition 36 or the Three Strikes law. Originally, the law stated that after committing three felonies a person could automatically be sentenced to a term of 25 years to life. Though a good law, it was flawed, in that it could treat small time felons as big time criminals. In order to make the Three Strikes law fair, legislators changed it so that a convicted felon could only get life in prison after committing three “serious or violent crimes.” The problem is that domestic violence is not on the list of serious or violent crimes. Sooo.... It's not okay to beat a stranger, but it is okay to beat your family!? 

Are you serious?

Review the Petition Below:

View the full petition

Helping to Turn Victims into Survivors

~ Domestic Violence Awareness Month ~

Helping to turn Victims into Survivors!

No woman, man or child deserves to be abused by someone they love. Having the trust ripped out from underneath you is much worse than you think. It can be life changing and leaves you feeling damaged... The worse part is feeling trapped without any choices. It's a sad place to be and you will gain no good from ignoring your pain and "toughing it out for the kids." That phrase needs to be erased from our vocabulary because truthfully.... What advantages do you think a child receives when they have to deal with violence and abuse at home? Divorce/Separation is always hard at first, for children and parents, but the benefits are much higher and safer than Injury, Depression, Fear, Loss of Self-Confidence and possible Loss of Life...

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and My Kind Of Introduction will be sharing all sorts of information, personal stories, giveaways and so much more throughout the next few weeks. I'll have local information as well as information that will help you no matter where you're at in the world.

I want to start out by sharing a bit of my story.

My name is Autumn and I am a WAHM of 2 daughters, I also have 2 step-sons who don't live with us. I live with my daughters and fiancé in North Carolina and as you know... I run this blog, My Kind Of Introduction, as well as sell Soy Candles and Spa Supplies from SoyL Scents. I'm just like everyone else - I'm a normal girl, living a normal life. I'm also a Domestic Violence Survivor.
My childhood memories are a mix of wonderful moments along with many not so great memories. I've seen a lot of things that a young girl shouldn't of had to witness and my little brothers have too. I've gave my brothers comfort when the yelling got too bad in the rest of house. I've ran away, just to climb back in through my bedroom window. I watched my mom  get abused for years, I've been abused myself (Physically and Emotionally) . But I don't let all of that bring me down. You have to think on the bright side... I got out of the abusive home many years ago and  my mom is no longer married to the man who hurt us. It may have taken us some time and alot of strength, but we did it.
There is HOPE out there!!

If you or someone you know is being abused, get help NOW! The situation will only get worse with time and you never know what day will be too late. 

During the month of October, I've chosen to help out a local Domestic Violence Help Center and Shelter in Asheville NC called Helpmate. They are located in downtown Asheville and have helped many women and children throughout their time of operation. Helpmate has a Wish List on their website full of many items that are needed for them to continue helping all of their clients who are in need. I've decided to host a few donation drives, in hopes to collect some of the supplies that are needed.

Some examples of the items that I'm collecting this month are:

• Book Donation: Used/New Children Books, School and Office Supplies (paper, notebooks, small calendars, crayons, pens, pencils)

• Clothes Donation: New or Slightly Used Winter Clothes and shoes for kids of all ages (Newborn - Teenager) & Adult Women Clothes in all sizes. - New Socks and Underwear for children and adults.

• Household Donation: Kitchen Items (Stainless Steel Pots & pans for the Shelter, Tableware, silverware) Alarm Clocks, CD Player/Radios,  bedding, table lamps, Mops, Brooms, Blankets, other home needs.

• Gift Card Donation: Helpmate also accepts gift cards for stores like Walmart, KMart, BiLo's, Ingles, Old  Navy and other stores where needed items can be purchased. After long thought, I've realized that many people give gift cards during holidays and birthdays and such, but not all of those gift cards are used. Maybe you don't shop at the store that the gift card is from, or you've already purchased what you want from the store and have a balance left over that you would like to donate. You don't have to spend money to do the right thing. Every little bit counts and can help out a family in need. (Gift cards are used to purchase Shoes and Clothing, Food, Household Items, Toiletries etc.)

Other items that are also needed are: Personal bathroom items  such as Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, tampons, toilet paper, etc. Non-perishable Food is always needed as well as Baby Supplies such as Diapers, Baby Wipes, Clothing, Furniture, etc.

I will also be taking Monetary Donations for Domestic Violence Awareness as well and would love your help and support!!
Donate to the cause using the button below or through PayPal with the following email:
(DomesticViolenceAwareness.MKOI@yahoo.com)

All collections will go toward Domestic Violence Services in North Carolina and are greatly appreciated!

Thank you for supporting this cause!

Domestic Violence is a dangerous curse that is poisoning the save haven that we all know as Home. Something has to be done!

If you would like to be a sponsor, donate any items to the cause or have ideas to help out, Send me an email at AutoFaerie@gmail.com. I’ll be collecting donations throughout all of October and can meet up with local contributors. At the end of the month, I will be personally delivering all collected items to Helpmate in Asheville, NC. The Donation Paypal account will continue to stay active, I'll be accepting monetary donations for Helpmate and Domestic Violence Awareness for as long as they are given.

Help me add more Purple Ribbons to the line of popular Awareness Ribbons that are promoted and seen everywhere.