Angels On Earth is very interested in the survivors of Domestic Violence, because many of their members are survivors of abuse. They are also interested in helping those victims start over. No, they can not stop the Domestic Violence, but they can offer support, understanding, caring, and help. If you are in an abusive situation, contact Angels On Earth now.

What is Domestic Violence? In this country, every minute of every day a woman, man, or child is falling victim to someone out of control. These people did not apply for a job as the recipient of someone's anger.

Domestic Violence does not happen overnight. It comes on gradually, and usually to the amazement of the person who suffers the emotional, mental, and physical abuse that it brings. People who have never been in a domestic violence situation do not understand why the woman, man, or child does not leave. It is not easy to leave!

There are many reasons a person will stay in the relationship, in some cases to the point of death or such physical harm that they are forced out of the situation. Anger counseling does not work unless the abuser truly in his/her heart wants help; in fact, in most cases causing a person to go to anger management makes them angrier at the victim of their abuse. Jail time also tends to anger the person.

So what is the answer?

There is no real answer except to get out, find a place where you are safe. Don't be afraid to press charges and go to court to make sure that person gets the maximum punishment allowed. Don't ever leave your children alone with your abuser, even if the abuser has never done anything to the children before. Don't be afraid to tell the abuser's friends, employer, family, etc. that they are abusing you.

Tell your family and friends. If you can't get out, or are afraid, keep a journal of what is happening to you. Don't be afraid to fight back to defend yourself. (That way, if you die, the police will find the DNA of your abuser on you.)

Seriously, for your sake, your children's sake, your mom and dad's sake, and the sake of everyone who loves you, leave, get out, run! Don't take anything with you if you can't--just the clothes on your backs. Don't ever leave your children when you leave your abuser--take them with you.

Make sure you have your important papers or at least leave a copy of them with a friend or relative. Don't look back once you leave, don't contact them, don't go see and do not talk to your abuser. Because they will sweet talk you back. They will tell you they are sorry, they will promise you the world, and that they will never do it again. But if you listen and go back, the next time will be worse, and it will continue being worse every time you go back, because your abuser got away with hurting you.

You wouldn't let a stranger hurt you or your children--why would you let the one you love hurt you? LOVE DOES NOT HURT!!!!! And remember, you need counseling too. Because like taking drugs, a person does not become addicted overnight, it happens after taking the drug for over a period of time. You are like a drug addict. You have been exposed to the abuse over time, and whether you know it or not, you are now addicted to it and to your abuser.

If you need help, e-mail us, or contact your local Domestic Violence agency. Don't be afraid to be on your own, don't worry where the money will come from, or the home, or the food, don't worry about transportation, or a job, or how can you raise the kids on your own, don't worry.

There are people to help you, people who care, and people to protect you and your children. There is someone else in this world who will love you and treat you the way you were meant to be treated with respect, love, and kindness, and who will love your children too.

You only live once--you don't have to live a life of pain, hurt, humiliation, embarrassment, torture, tears, and fears. You have the right to a good life, to be happy, to have all the joys that life, love, and a family can bring. God will show you the way and send people to help you stop the domestic violence in your life.

If you know of someone in a Domestic Violence situation, and you do not lend a hand, you may be carrying their casket. Don't allow a friend to suffer. Help them out, be there for them, and don't EVER say "It's their fault, because they didn't leave."

Maybe it's not their choice.