So I work at a domestic violence crisis line, and I can't help but notice that with the economy crumbling before our eyes, women (and men) fleeing abusive relationships are facing even more tremendous barriers than before. I left work today feeling totally overwhelmed by my inability to offer real help to these people in crisis.
Callers who are looking to relocate can only get half as far away on twice the money - regardless of the means of transportation. People who have lost their job or are living on a fixed income would be unable to (or ARE unable to) keep up with the expenses of basic human necessities without their abusive partner. And what's worse, is that because everyone is affected, the already sparse social service resources are drying up and disappearing.
I spent over an hour today seeking out resources for a caller in a particularly desperate situation, and even after exhausting all known options, I wasn't able to offer the help that was needed. The panic that seems to have gripped our country doesn't exactly make for friendly faces, either; I dealt with more indifferent and inflexible social service personnel today than I ever care to deal with again.
The way I see it, the consequences of this economic nightmare (thanks, George, really) have already surpassed my deepest dread; and it is costing lives. So very depressing.
Thoughts, anyone?
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First of all, thank you for the great work you do in the community. It is really sad that a situation can come to not being able to afford safety. On a brighter note, I think that the Bush administration has made Republicans look so bad that Obama will win in November and life will take a positive turn.
There was violence done to me by Baptists in 1974 when ministers performed an "exorcism" on me. This was psychological debilitating and cost me many years of expensive therapy. Baptists should not harm people where they cannot be taxpayers and wage-earners. Baptists who harm people psychologically are harming the people and the gov't at the same time.
I was harmed by Baptist exorcism. I don't wish this on anyone.
I am a man, not a woman. I don't have any gripes at all with feminist ideals. I am also Autistic, Asperger's Syndrome and life is not easy for me. I am 57 years old.
I hope my comment posts here.