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Batterers use violence as an effective method for gaining and keeping
control over another person and he usually does not suffer adverse consequences
as a result of his behavior. In fact, batterers are expert at portraying
themselves as the injured party, a view which is sometimes supported by
even the batterer's family who could not otherwise cope with the truth.
Batterers cannily dodge responsibility for their own actions, as if other
people sneak into their brains and ball their fingers into fists, they
are deft at shifting the blame to others, especially their mates, they
watch and stalk partners, even those under the protection of the court,
and especially those who have separated or divorced. They are able to put
on a great public face and portray themselves as victims.
The source of abusive men's anger is usually feelings of being
unimportant, disregarded, guilty, devalued, rejected, powerless, and unlovable.
Shame causes anger and aggression, and abusers try in vain to inflict their
feelings onto those who refuse to give up on them.
Battering escalates. It often begins with behaviors like threats, name
calling, violence in her presence (such as punching a fist through a wall),
and/or damage to objects or pets. It may escalate to restraining, pushing,
slapping, and/or pinching. The battering may include punching, kicking,
biting, sexual assault, tripping, throwing. Finally, it may become life-threatening
with serious behaviors such as choking, breaking bones, or the use of weapons.
Sadly, the national dropout rate for battering programs is one out of two.
E-mail, call or write your Senators and Representatives and tell them
that you support legislation aimed at ending violence against women.
Azure Flame supports the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Visit their website at
www.ncadv.org for information on how you can help.
Call the National Domestic Violence
Hotline at 1-800-799 SAFE to find local shelters and counseling. |
| Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly
half of all men and a little over one-third of all women in the US will
develop cancer during their lifetimes. Today, millions of people are living
with cancer or have had cancer. The risk of developing most types of cancer
can be reduced by changes in a person's lifestyle, for example, by quitting
smoking and eating a better diet. The sooner a cancer is found and treatment
begins, the better are the chances for living for many years.
Because cancer takes a toll on the person diagnosed as well as family
and friends, the American Cancer Society offers support and service programs
to try to lessen the impact. These programs cover a wide range of needs
– from connecting patients with survivors to providing a place to stay
when treatment facilities are far from home.
The aim of the Society's research program is to determine the causes
of cancer and to support efforts to prevent and cure the disease. The American
Cancer Society is the largest source of private, nonprofit cancer research
funds in the US, second only to the federal government in total dollars
spent. Beginning in 1946 with $1 million, the Society's research program
has invested $2.5 billion in cancer research. The Society has funded 32
Nobel Prize winners early in their careers.
Azure Flame supports the American Cancer Society. Visit their website
at www.cancer.org for
information on how you can help. |
