Did you know that ONE in FOUR women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime?

A few weeks ago, I told you guys my own story – how I used to be that ONE out of four women. Sitting down at my desk to write about that time of my life, about dealing with domestic violence – that was THE hardest post that I’ve ever written. It was difficult to let myself think about those times, to be honest about how weak I was, and to share all of that incredibly personal information with others. BUT – I was overwhelmed by the amazing feedback I got from all of you. The comments, the messages on Facebook, and the emails sharing your own stories – they were so powerful, so moving, and I shed a ton of tears for you all too! But I love that most of you also had stories of strength to share, with happy endings. Let’s help other women find a better future too, by supporting BraveWoman.org!

“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” – Melinda Gates

The Brave Woman campaign is all about helping EVERY woman find her voice. To encourage her to tell her story, to help the next woman realize that she’s not alone. To help others understand that, as the website says, “Leaving a life of domestic violence is a series of moment-by-moment decisions requiring brave choices and bold actions. It can be hard to believe in ourselves when we have been beaten down by circumstance.” I’ve read so many other women’s stories by searching the hashtag on Twitter – #BraveWoman – and this one really stood out to me: Rebecca Parsons, from Cre8tiveCompass.com, describes it like this, “abuse takes away your rational thinking and is replaced by a ‘just let me keep everything perfect so he won’t blow up’ mentality” – and I’m sure that there are hundreds of other women who understand that all too well.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always.” – Oprah Winfrey

Will you join us in signing the pledge on BraveWoman.org? By supporting each other, we can begin to bring this issue out of the shadows it hides in, and put an end to it.

“I pledge to honor and respect brave women and children who tackle the difficult journey of change from domestic violence to a new life. I acknowledge my own moment-by-moment bravery, will remain aware of what is happening to others around me, and speak up against violence in any form. I will stand up for human dignity and safety for women and children.”  

“No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.” – Althea Gibson

For more information on the Brave Woman organization, please visit  www.BraveWoman.org. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter, watch their totally empowering videos on YouTube, and tell your friends about them too! And I would love for you to join us at our Twitter party on January 17th, 8-9 pm ET to support Brave Woman, use hashtag #BraveWoman to follow along.

{THIS POST HAS BEEN COMPENSATED AS PART OF A SOCIAL SHOPPER INSIGHTS STUDY FOR COLLECTIVEBIAS. ALL OPINIONS, IDEAS, AND PHOTOS ARE 100% MY OWN. #CBIAS, #BRAVEWOMAN}