1. Love Doesn’t Hit Domestic Violence Awareness

2.  As sisters of AXO, we support women who have been victims of domestic abuse.  It is important that we understand what domestic abuse is so that we can help prevent it from happening to sisters and to other women.

3. What Counts as Domestic Violence?  Calls you names, insults you or puts you down  Stops you from seeing family members or friends  Tries to control how you spend money, where you go, or what you wear  Acts jealous or possessive or constantly accuses you of being unfaithful  Gets angry when drinking alcohol or using drugs  Threatens you with violence or a weapon  Hits, kicks, shoves, slaps, chokes or otherwise hurts you  Forces you to have sex or engage in sexual acts against your will  Blames you for his or her violent behavior or tells you that you deserve it  Portrays the violence as mutual and consensual -Mayo Clinic

4. The Cycle of Violence 1.The abuser threatens violence. 2.The abuser strikes. 3.The abuser apologizes, promises to change and offers gifts. 4.The cycle repeats itself. Typically the violence becomes more frequent and severe over time.

6. Why Do Women Stay?  They are dependent on the abuser for food, money, shelter, etc.  They share a child with the abuser  They feel helpless and that they cannot escape the situation  They feel the abuse is their own fault  They feel depressed or have low self-esteem

7. Speak Up!  Domestic violence IS NOT OKAY. No matter if he/she is always aggressive or if they “just had a bad day”.  If you know of a sister or another woman who is suffering from domestic violence, you need to say something.  If you are being victimized, reach out to a sister, friend, family member, and the police.  There are shelters like the CADA house out there to keep women and children safe after they decide to speak out and end the abuse cycle.

8. Where To Go For Help  Talk to a sister!  Contact the local police department  MSU Women’s Center  Women's Center  218 Centennial Student Union  507-389-6146 (V)  800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY)  CADA House  Crisis Line 1-800-477-0466  24 Hours (507) 625-3966  Shelter/TTY (507) 625-3966