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With the majority of myspace viewers being young adults, we thought we could really get the 'word out' about domestic violence and dating violence prevention through myspace!

Please add us to your 'myspce friends' and demonstrate your will to educate teens and young adults about dating violence.

We also invite you to read our alarming statistics on our awareness page - and also let us know what you think about our powerful "teen dating" story in our blog by leaving us a comment.

We look forward to everyones thoughts on this ever-growing issue as you join in our efforts in "breaking the cycle".

To learn about our domestic violence shelter and programs, please visit our home page at www.lacasainc.org
Why We Must Break The Cycle Now!
Control and abuse are NOT love. The two never go hand in hand. When you first started dating, you actually looked forward to that one text message letting you know you were being thought of or perhaps missed. Now all of a sudden, you receive 10-20 or more an hour wanting to know why the he** you never responded to that first one. When did things suddenly change? Or did they? When it comes to our own relationships, we tend to see things in shades of grey, instead of black and white. Isn't it always easier that way? And choosing to ignore the warning signs in RED are even easier. That's because it’s hard to see our own relationship problems from the outside in.
You may wonder when things started getting so scary and unpredictable, and when did things get so distorted? Perhaps the warning signs were there all along but they were much easier to ignore and push aside as normal. Now looking back, you realize things were always a bit uncomfortable and confusing. And how the humiliating put-downs, the never-ending text messages asking for your whereabouts, the approval and disapproval of your clothing and jealousy over the time spent with your friends and family just suddenly crept into your relationship. Or were those things always there but we chose to ignore them because we brushed them off as no big deal?
Those were all warning signs...or red flags. Signs that should never be ignored. The more red flags you push aside as you continue along, the more dangerous the path in your relationship becomes. Will you be able to recognize them before it's too late and see things in black and white as they really are?
The American Medical Association estimates that over 4 million women are victims of severe assaults by boyfriends and husbands each year. About 1 in 4 women is likely to be abused by a partner in her lifetime.
Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior which establishes power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat of violence.
Not all domestic violence is physical. It can be emotional abuse, economic abuse, sexual abuse, threats, using male privilege, intimidation, isolation, and a variety of other behaviors used to maintain fear, intimidation, and power.
You are not to blame and you are not alone!
Domestic violence and family violence often takes place behind closed doors. In the past it was seen very much as a private family matter that society should not get involved with.
It can be difficult for those who are, or who have experienced violence to come forward because they may feel isolated, ashamed, confused or just too afraid to speak about their experiences. Sometimes they blame themselves for the violence because they have been told by their partner on many occasions, that they provoked it.
It is important to remember:
• No one deserves to be abused!
• The person being abusive is responsible for their own behavior.
• Abuse happens to people from all cultures and age groups.
• Everyone has the right to feel safe at home.
Domestic Violence is a CRIME, even when committed by someone you love. If you suspect you are in a domesic violence relationship, call La Casa TODAY 1-800-376-2272 or your nearest domestic violence agency before it is too late. TOGETHER, we can break the cycle.
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