When Peace is Your Business

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and I am spotlighting the Cabarrus Victims Assistance Network (CVAN) for their work in helping battered women and their children find safety and peace during troubling times. I first learned about CVAN as a Girl Scout Leader searching for a community service opportunity for my girls. I found a cute little boutique full of women's clothing and toys that accepted donations from the community. Upon researching this store I discovered their mission. The store was just a means of support for the many programs that CVAN provides and the shelter that it operates.

CVAN has been in operation since 1982. They provide services such as: a 24-hour hotline, housing, peer counseling, children's program, formerly battered woman's advocacy, woman's jail program, teen program, court advocacy, community education and support groups. I've been connected with CVAN in various capacities for more than 10 years. CVAN is an integral part of Cabarrus County but that reach is nationwide. CVAN has successfully assisted women throughout the United States in finding safety from their abuser. The following is a list of patterns and behaviors to look for in an abusive mate:

Safety Planning

Signs to look for in your partner:

1. Quick involvement with you

2. Isolates you from others

3. Blames others for their problems

4. Gets upset easily

5. Controlling behavior

6. Explains how you are always wrong

7. Speaks disrespectfully of women

8. Says hurtful things to you

9. Expects you to be perfect

10. Threatens you

11. Hits, chokes or shoves you

12. Cruel to children and/or animals

13. Inappropriate sexual requestsIn the United States a woman is abused every 15 seconds. If you or someone that you know is a victim of Domestic Violence, there is confidential help for you. You can speak with a representative at the following number:                     (704) 788-2826. Please check out CVAN's website at:www.cvan.org for more information.

Peace In Action, Melissa