Broken Rainbow

Today I was going to write a thank you post to our sponsors, those people who place ad's in our Project Wonderful Ad boxes on the far right of the blog, but I noticed the ad that was placed there for Broken Rainbow and it gave me a jolt. Broken Rainbow is an organisation that offers help and advice to "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people experiencing domestic violence."

I started this blog as a way of showing my support for artisans that hand craft good and sell them and in the main the ads we get are from artisans, but this ad just reminded me that many people are suffering from domestic violence whatever their sexual orientation is and that we all need to keep our eyes open to that fact and show support and offer escape routes for people in that position.

Domestic violence isn't only about physical violence, it can be about controlling behaviour that causes a person to become isolated from the world, threats and fear causing behaviour, such as verbal abuse or destruction of belongings. It can be very difficult in some circumstances to see that someone is suffering from Domestic abuse, but if a person is being manipulated by a family member/partner to behave in a certain way, their access to friends and family is being controlled or a person shows fear of a member of their household then maybe it's time for you to have a private word with them about it and offer them support, help to get good advice and love.

So today I'm dedicating this blog to people that are in dangerous/abusive situations in their own home. If you are in that position I wish you a safe day and the strength to seek the help you need to change the situation you are in. There are organisations you can get that help from who will be non judgemental and will only ever intervene as much as you feel able to cope with. You also have a friend in me. I may not be able to change your situation, but I am here to listen if you need an ear and I can remind you that you are a fabulous person that deserves to feel safe in your own home and that the feeling of safety is your right to claim. Remember you are NOT alone. There are many people here that want to help you, take courage and ask for that help. It won't be an easy path, but it has to be better than the path you are on now.

Below I am going to put some links and phone numbers to help groups within the UK. If you are a reader of this blog and know of links and phone numbers I've missed or you are a non UK reader and have links for organisations in your country please add them to the comments section of this post and I will add them to the list.

National Center for Domestic Violence - Tel:0844 8044 999
Broken Rainbow - Tel:0300 999 5428
Woman's aid - Tel:o8o8 2000 247 This site has a list of regional help
Citizens Advice Bureau Domestic Violence - Organisations that give confidential information CAB has local phone numbers and you can find yours here
Refuge - Tel:0808 2000247 (this is the same as woman's aid as the phone line is run by both organisations)

If you are being physically attacked, or you are frightened for you're life or the life of anyone else please telephone 999 immediately.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home. If you don't, seek help to change that situation.