Like many communities around the world, our community faces issues with domestic violence. 1 in 3 women in the state of California suffers from domestic violence in their lives. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence further states that with every minute, nearly 20 million people are abused by their partner. The gravity of these statistics only skims the surface of pain that these people actually go through. What amplifies the significance is that many are not aware that domestic violence is a grave issue. Our group took note of the minimal knowledge many people had on the subject and on the effects of the victims. Victims can be harmed physically to the point where hospital visits are necessary or mentally to the point where they grow nervous at human interactions. There have also been cases of suicides by people who have been through the events. This is something CAMS GBLA could not stand by. CAMS GBLA has felt a strong connection with the issue as we have seen several stories in media of women brutally abused and manipulated at the hands of people they once trusted. Because we are girls entering the world of adulthood, there are higher probabilities that we may come in contact with a similar frightening situation. Our loved ones may be placed in the situation as well or even people we do not know. Nevertheless, it does not matter who they are, but what they are going through.
Seeing the devastating impacts that domestic violence causes led us to strongly support the women. By holding class forums educating people on the signs of domestic abuse and how to stop it in addition with a donation drive to a local women’s shelter, we have caused lasting impacts with simple, yet meaningful actions. As we are in positions where we can advocate for those who have suffered at the hands of the violence, it is our mission to do all that we can.