The Cocktail Cafe talks about Domestic Violence

Thursday, February 19, 2009

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

"Domestic Violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. It is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background. Violence against women is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior, and thus is part of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic Violence results in physical injury, psychological trauma, and sometimes death. The consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and truly last a lifetime."

Last night I had the privilege of assisting my friend Rhea host her Blog Talk Radio show. If you don't know Rhea or The Cocktail Cafe you are missing out. Every Wednesday night, Rhea has a special guest(s) for each show and discusses relevant topics for mom's.

Last night the topic was Domestic Violence. What a timely topic considering the Chris Brown/Rihanna situation. While their situation is public for everyone to read, hear and speculate about because of their celebrity status, abuse happens EVERY DAY. I'm a survivor of Domestic Violence. I shared a little bit of my story on the show. It's something that's never far from my mind. I'm grateful and thankful every day that I was able to leave the situation. It wasn't easy and it took every ounce of strength and courage I had to do it, but I did.

The guests on the show included Heidi Day, the Founder of Chayil Inc, a not-for-profit organization based in Atlanta that provides Life Coaching and a Personal Developmental Program for women in transition, coming out of a domestic violence situation. It's an innovative approach to empowering women in all areas of their lives. It was a honor to have Heidi as our guest on the show.

Our second guest was Renee of Cutie Booty Cakes which I'm totally in love with. Renee shared her story as a survivor coming out on the other side and now married with an adorable son. Please check out her blog to read her story, her writing is incredible.

In our second half hour, Nene Leakes from The Real Housewives of Atlanta joined the show. Nene is the founder of The Twisted Hearts Foundation which aims to bring awareness of domestic violence. As Nene said during the show, domestic violence does not discriminate. Nene also talked briefly about her upcoming book and taping Season 2 of the show. Special thanks to Nene for taking the time out to speak with us.

If you missed the show, click play below to listen in.



Please also check out The Cocktail Cafe for a more in-depth recap of last nights show. We hope you'll join us next Wednesday when we discuss, "The Problem with Women is MEN" by Charles Orlando.

Finally, if you are in a situation where you are being abused or you know someone who is help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

chantelligence.com

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Chantel, thank you for posting this and sharing your story. The Chris Brown/Rihanna situation is disturbing but as I mentioned on the show, I am glad that it is bringing light to Domestic Violence. We both know the difficulties surrounding leaving and it is my hope that given the high profile nature of these events she will be strong enough to leave. I pray for both of them and really hope that they both get the counseling they need to heal.

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