(Exerpts from a speech delivered at The Havana Room on November 12,2006 by Nancy Grace)
Domestic violence is abuse between two people in an intimate relationship. And its perpetrators seek to intimidate their victims by fear and terror. This abuse can be physical, psychological, sexual, financial, and all of the above. It affects young people, adults, and the elderly.
Domestic violence is not a crime of the underclass. It occurs among all income groups, all religions, all ethnicities. It transcends generations. It is an equal opportunity crime that leaves its victims in a constant state of terror and anxiety.
In 1993, MICHAEL BOLTON began a personal journey to give back to those less fortunate – He created an organization with a vision to help Children and Women at Risk from the damaging effects of poverty and emotional, physical and sexual abuse. The mission was clear - through intervention and education, THE MICHAEL BOLTON CHARITIES would work to break the cycle of abuse by supporting innovative programs that mitigate the problems, while searching for long-term solutions through the support of programs and unique ideas that might otherwise go unfunded.
And that passion and dedication have been unwavering. In the last year, THE MICHAEL BOLTON CHARITIES has given grants to many vital organizations including:
- $100,000 to the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence - Hurricane Katrina Fund
- The Yale Child Study Center - "Project Homeward Bound" - assisting victims in shelters to transition back into the community.
- And an innovative collaboration with the Community Renewal Team in Hartford Connecticut to create The Michael Bolton Charities / CRT Contemporary Music Program.
The work of both organizations provides a foothold for victims of abuse to take control of their lives, gain self esteem, chart a path away from the horrors of abuse, and transition back into communities as productive citizens.
From Domestic Violence, Teen Dating Violence and even Elder Abuse, violence is the cancer that tears at the fabric of our families, our communities, and our businesses. It is terrorism at home
THE MICHAEL BOLTON CHARITIES is on the front lines of the battle to break the cycle of abuse. Unfortunately their services are sorely needed. A woman is never at more risk than when she finally chooses to leave an abusive relationship. The shelters and safe housing, counseling and advocacy supported by the two organizations give victims a lifeline – literally, and the chance to feel safe and to seek counseling free from worry about their own safety or the safety of their children.
There is a myth that abuse happens primarily in poorer communities. It can’t be happening next door. Not in my neighbourhood, not in my family. The truth is that abuse does not respect boundaries. It cannot be escaped by living in a better zip code nor can it be buffered by wealth.
And the statistics are staggering.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that
- 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime
- 13% of teenage girls who have been in a relationship report being physically hurt or hit.
- A Harvard School of Public Health study indicated that female teenagers who experienced dating violence were more likely to engage in substance abuse, risky sexual behaviors, and suicide.
- And still at least 17 States do not have dating violence statutes to protect our children.
And to underscore that point …
- The effect of children living in abusive households is horrific. With those children being 24 x more likely to commit sexual assault crimes; 74% more likely to commit crimes against someone else and 6 times more likely to commit suicide!
These are our children, our sisters, our friends, our family.
For me, the silver lining shines when we support each other. For those overcoming violence, facing their perpetrator in court, and moving forward with life after tragedy, they need and deserve support the most
You are all here today to help women and children affected by domestic violence. It is not a glamorous cause, nor one people are comfortable talking about. We never expect violence to enter our lives, but once you start to pay attention, its impact is perhaps an acquaintance, a friend, a family member – or maybe someone only a chair away from you.
We must strengthen our resolve and together we will break the cycle through the education of youth, supporting the transition of victims and their families back into communities and fruitful lives, and advocacy in the legal system to protect victims. With your support, we can break the cycle of abuse that affects so many women, children, men … our families … and our communities.
Thank you.
