Northfield, Minnesota, native Becky Kasper was only 19 and a student at Arizona State University when her abusive ex-boyfriend killed her on April 20, 2013. Her murderer is serving a total of 30 years in prison followed by a life-time of probation with mental health terms. Read Becky’s story by clicking here. She died in a vicious act of domestic violence. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Domestic violence thrives when we are silent; but if we take a stand and work together, we can end domestic violence. —the National Network to End Domestic Violence
October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Homicide” and “murdered,” strong and accurate words on a t-shirt that is part of The Clothesline Project from the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2015.
Have you thought much about domestic violence? I’ve always thought the word “domestic” minimizes the crime, as if it’s less brutal, less meaningful, less harmful. It’s not. The emotional wounds, especially, run long and deep.
Photographed on the inside of a women’s bathroom stall at Lark Toys in Kellogg. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2015.
Have you been impacted by domestic abuse/violence? If you answer, no, I’d be surprised. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women will be the victims of physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Victims of domestic abuse are as close as your next door neighbor, your co-worker, the woman worshiping next to you, your hair stylist, your friend, your niece, your college roommate…you just may not realize it. I can personally list about 20 women by name (family, friends and indirect acquaintances) who have been victims of domestic violence/abuse. Several of them died. Murdered by their abusers.
Profound words for anyone who’s been abused or known someone who’s been abused or is in an abusive relationship from the book, The Help. In this section, Aibileen is talking on the phone with her friend, Minny, who is hunkered down in a gas station after leaving her abusive husband.
Are you in an abusive relationship? If you are, I want you to know that you do not deserve this. You are not somebody’s property. You are stronger than you think. There are individuals and organizations who can help you. Don’t do it alone. Leaving an abuser is dangerous; have a safety plan in place before you attempt to leave. You can break free. I believe in you.
Survivors are no longer birds in a cage. They are free. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Are you a survivor? I admire you and your strength. You are F-R-E-E. Your abuser can no longer claim you.
Reasons she stays, published on page 18 of She Stays, written by HOPE Center Director Erica Staab. Text copyright of Erica Staab.
Through the years, I have written on this topic, and I will continue to do so. Because we need to speak out, to understand, to educate ourselves, to support victims and survivors, to hold offenders accountable, to care.
It’s that important.
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WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Trust your gut. If someone raises red flags (whether in words or behavior) in a relationship, trust your instincts. Trust yourself, not him.
- Educate yourself. If you learn one thing about domestic abuse, it should be this: Do not blame the victim. Ever.
- Believe her.
- Support her. Listen. Keep the communication open. Simply be there.
- Realize you cannot “save” a woman who is in an abusive relationship. She must decide, on her own, to leave her abuser.
- When she is ready to leave, help her stay safe. Reach out to resources in your community. Support her. Believe her.
- Support the victim’s/survivor’s family, too. Listen. Encourage. Be there. The impact of domestic abuse spirals like a stone dropped in water.
- Talk to your daughters, your sons, your grandchildren, about healthy relationships.
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FYI:
Domestic abuse is about control, manipulation and power. It can take the forms of physical (including sexual), mental, emotional, financial and spiritual abuse. Abusers want to “own” their victims; they do not.
If you are in an abusive relationship and are in immediate danger, call 911. Leaving an abuser is an especially dangerous time.
Seek help from a local resource center or safe house. Or call the National Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-800-799-7233. You deserve to be free.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
For purposes of this article, I reference women as victims of domestic abuse, realizing that men and children are also victims.
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Voting for a scarecrow November 1, 2016
Tags: 100 Ladies & Gentlemen Craft Sale, elections, humor, Kenyon, Minnesota, opinion, political commentary, politics, Scarecrow Contest, scarecrows, voting
WITCH (sic) ONE SHOULD I choose?
Is this one It? Looks like a shady character hiding behind that signature hair style.
This scarecrow stands out in the field. Just look at that perfect, practiced smile and that perfectly pressed plaid.
The artistry here is certainly something to crow about.
I’m struggling to wrap my head around the choices.
Is this unique scarecrow raking in the votes? If only there were exit polls.
I like this scarecrow entourage. But those signs bother me. BEWARE. Of what? And No crows. What’s wrong with crows? Yeah, I know they’re not robins…
On the surface, I thought, how clever to post a campaign sign. But then I reread the words. Turning Green with Envy Needs Money popped out at me. You can’t sway my vote with sympathy, excess advertising, confusing rhetoric or via deflection.
I hope the candidates will accept the outcome, respecting the democratic process that veils our votes in secrecy. No rigged polls here.
There are so many choices. But really, these are just scarecrows. I shouldn’t take this election so seriously. There’s a more important election on November 8.
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FYI: These scarecrows are part of a Scarecrow Contest at the 100 Ladies and Gentlemen Craft Sale. That sale, located at 45986 Highway 56 just off Minnesota Highway 60 in Kenyon, continues from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. November 3 -6 and November 10 -13. All items are handcrafted.
Disclaimer: There’s nothing political about the craft sale. It’s just that–a craft sale.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling