Domestic Violence…….A Silent Battle

Domestic Violence…….A Silent Battle
by Amy N. Watson


If you ever hear someone mention, “I can’t go on, she doesn’t deserve to live,” never take it lightly. Statements of this sort are early signs of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is a serious problem. It is the most common cause of injury to women ages 15 to 44. Victims may suffer physical injuries such as bruises or broken bones. They may suffer emotionally from depression, anxiety or social isolation.
It is hard to know exactly how common domestic violence is, because people often don't report it. There is no typical victim. It happens among people of all genders, ages, cultures, and religious backgrounds. It also affects those of all levels of socioeconomic and education.

Between 2 and 4 million women are annually victimized by domestic violence. Most children in homes which domestic violence occurs witness that abuse and suffer secondary psychological effects, including aggressive behavior and depression. Male children who witness abuse are more likely to become abusers themselves as adults, creating a vicious, intergenerational cycle of violent behavior. (ABA Domestic Violence Commission).

Increased public and legal awareness, along with improved community resources have enabled many people to recognize the warning sign of domestic violence and how to get help. These resources include hotlines such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233), shelters or safehouses.

Safehouses are full-service domestic violence and sexual assault centers that provide emergency shelter and comprehensive support services to victims. According to Ms. Latners, Director of My Mother’s Daughter’s, Inc. located in Atlanta, GA, her facility acquires an average of 12 women per month. "The mission of the safehouse is to provide counseling, job placement/training, rehabilitation needs, and housing relocation. The victim can occupy the facility up to 120 days at a time depending of the serverity of the situation. There have been incidents where victims have been released from the safehouse due to a breach of confidentialty, where they have either contacted their abuser, or have had some kind of contact with the outside community, putting others at risk." Some of the criteria that must be meet for a victim to be granted access into the safehouse is:

1) A victim must be in immediate danger,

2) Must be willing to file a police report and temporary order

3) Submitt to a full drug, mental and health screening.

In conclusion, Domestic Violence should not happen to anyone. If you suspect someone you know is in an abusive relationship, take charge, review the red flags of domestic violence and offer assistance. Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of spousal abuse is the first step to breaking free.

2007 CAU Homecoming Greek Show

2007 CAU Homecoming Greek Show
by Amy N. Watson

The most anticipated Homecoming event of the week was the Clark Atlanta University Homecoming National Pan-Hellenic Greek Show, which drew a crowd of more than 1,500 fans. The show was quite competitive, and it stimulated the audience of both Greek and non-Greek attendees feelings of Panther Pride.

The Greek Show took place at the Vivian Henderson Activity Center and began at 7:30 p.m. The impending competition aroused much excitement and anticipation among both spectators and competitors.

"There is so much energy in here, I am so excited and can't wait to see the Greeks perform! It just feels good to be back and it also feels good to be here," said Shakirah Weldon, Alumni of 2001.

As the competition began the audience watched as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc took center stage followed by the infamous men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc who incorporated Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” moves into their routine. The next performance was by the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., who graced the stage with creativity and confidence sporting pink booties, green vest and pink construction utility belts. Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc with their signature crimson and cream came to the stage next and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. came through with a strong presence. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was the last of the Pan-Hellenic Greeks to perform, and did so with

coordination and organization.

Closing the night out, the tallies speckled the score sheets. The winners for the 2007 Homecoming Greek Show were Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

“The Homecoming Greek Step Show was really great!! The first family (Alpha Phi Alpha & Alpha Kappa Alpha) brought the competition home with first place wins as expected,” said Trevon Davis of his fraternity brothers & sisters.