Another domestic violence awareness month is upon us. Oh yeah, and another breast cancer awareness month.
I cannot name two issues that strike more directly at the heart of every woman … and anyone who’s ever loved a woman.
But I mean, really? Who wants to be more aware of disease and violence? Personally, I am all too aware of these dismal, depressing things.
Cancer and domestic violence have flattened me with a 1-2 sucker punch. Unless you are a really good friend of mine, I don’t think you want to hear about the ravages of being bald, ashen, and exhausted from chemotherapy. And honest, you don’t want to know the horrific details about the domestic violence murder suicide in my family.
Trust me. You do not.
And I don’t blame you.
But how about the flip side? What if we focused on what could be and how to make that happen?
What if I came to you and said: “October is Women’s Health and Liberation Month?” How about we spend at least 31 days each year being aware of the possibilities?
The prospect of equality. 
The dream of universal healthcare.
The vision of prevention (not early detection or intervention) for both cancer and domestic violence?
How about that?
Can You Relate? 
Tyra – THANK YOU for this. Such an amazing ability you have to make connection in a world of confusion. I really appreciate your suggested change in focus and will let it lead me through the next month and beyond. Love you for sharing and so much more!
Hi Kelsen – Thanks so much for your comment. Though I’m honored you credit me with making the connection – DV and breast cancer have many of the same roots and that’s just the way it is. They are almost more entangled than connected, eh? That being said, I hope state DV Coalitions will keep this in mind if there is ever any more talk about changing DV Awareness month (that is, so that it does not coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month). We need to be arms linked – not arms length.
Tyra – very interesting and good to read. I have been thinking a lot lately of ‘re-frames’ in regards to anti-VAW work! thanks for a good blog post!
Well said my friend. Well said.
You’re breakin my heart. In the right way.
I’m spreading this around, okay?
Beautifully written,Tyra. It really touched my heart. I think it’s a great message and I think that it should be in the newspaper. Seriously.
Beautiful! Inspires me to remember which lens I’m choosing when I look around. thank you.
Wow, Tyra, just wow! That is all I can say right now. So very powerful and touching. A very broad perspective on Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness. It should not be a competition but in a way a companionship.
I love the idea of “October is Women’s Health and Liberation Month”! Thanks!
Very touching and beautifully stated. A voice affected by both causes…very powerful! Thank you Tyra.
I fell upon this blog as I attempt to create my awareness campaign for school. I need to create some “artifacts,” so I came thought about a blog. If I had a question about the effectiveness of blogging, your words solidified my resolve to add this as a significant tool for spreading the word. I am the survivor of a twenty year abusive marriage and the daughter of a suicide. My Great Grandmother died of breast cancer. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.