Domestic violence has been around from the beginning of time and for years it has been a phenomenon on the earth. It is important to get to the root of the problem and then put measures in place to combat the scourge of domestic violence. Sounds easy right? Well, domestic violence is so complex that it is impossible to find a rubber stamp solution. There are many organizations around the world like SAVE Foundation Inc. that are working to raise awareness, change behavior and to eradicate domestic violence.

With each day that passes by, I become more and more amazed at the number of persons who experience domestic violence. All the phone calls, all the emails make me pause and wonder what is going on in families and in society by extension. Why are some of us so mean to our loved ones? Why are we so angry? Sometimes it seems like we take pleasure in inflicting pain and hurt on the ones we are supposed to love and hold dear. How is it that we can tell our partner that we love them and yet abuse them physically and emotionally? I am of the opinion that we do not truly understand what love is. In order to love someone else you first need to love yourself and perhaps that is where the problem lies. Maybe some people do not love themselves therefore making it difficult to love others.

We allow our insecurities and fears to keep us from giving and showing the love that the bible speaks of, the kind of love that demonstrates patience; kindness; love that does not get angry or arrogant; love that is not jealous; love that bears all things; love that endures forever. Based on a recent survey that was conducted in Barbados 27% of households are affected by domestic violence. That percentage is high considering our population size. Before you lash out, before you act on your anger, stop and ask yourself “would love do this?”

Liesel Daisley – Chairman & Founder of SAVE Foundation Inc.

Tel: 43-ABUSE (432-2873)
Email: savefoundation@live.com
Website: www.savefoundationbarbados.org
SAVE Foundation Inc. is a non-profit organization that deals solely with the incidence of domestic violence.