Teaching Tae Kwon Do to Help Women in the Community
Don’t miss the article in the current Iron County Today about Johnny Oh’s new Tae Kwon Do Class, which started last night at the Aquatic Center. Check it out here.
Johnny’s giving all the proceeds from his class to CCWCC to help women who are victims and survivors of domestic violence in the community. He volunteers his time to teach self defense classes for our staff, volunteers and clients on regular basis and has been instrumental with public relations and spreading the word about our services and program needs.
We really appreciate how he’s used his talents to make a difference in the community. We couldn’t do what we do without folks like him volunteering their skills and time.
You can sign up for his class at the Aquatic Center and it’s $25/month, every Wed. night from 7pm – 8:30pm.
If you’re interested in ways you can make a difference too, contact us at 435-867-9411.
Questions to ask about your new relationship/partner
Happy Valentine’s Day! We hope it’s a safe and healthy one for everyone out there. There’s always a lot of talk about dating and relationships around this holiday. Maybe you’re dating someone, or thinking about dating, or maybe you’re already in a relationship with someone. How do you know if it’s a healthy? Or if you’re heading in a positive direction with someone? Here are some things to consider:
Does this relationship/person enhance my life and make it better? If it does, then you’re on the right track to being in a positive, healthy relationship. If it doesn’t, maybe reconsider why you’re with this person and how it’s affecting your life and whether it’s taking you where you want to be.
Is it based on mutual respect and support for each other? This is the basic, most important ingredient for a healthy relationship. Lack of respect is a big red flag and it can be apparent even early on with small things.
Do we have honest and open communication, and trust with each other? Another basic ingredient of a healthy relationship. Remember trust is built over time so there’s no need to rush into anything. If you notice inconsistencies or times when the person is dishonest, take time to reconsider whether that’s the kind of relationship that you really want.
Is there fairness & equality? Do we both have our own separate identities? In a healthy relationship, both people make compromises and take turns with things such as choosing what movie to go see or where to eat. Both people have separate interests, friends and hobbies, as well as ones that they share together. Neither one has more power or control than the other. Neither one is expected to give up their identity or life for the other.
It’s also good to think about how you feel and act since you started dating this person or since you got into this relationship. Do you feel happy and content? Have you kept your previous friends and interests, hobbies, etc? Or do you find yourself giving up your separate life for the other person? If you’re not feeling content and happy, or if your emotions are up and down more often, or if you’re giving things up for the other person or have changed since being with them, take a step back to consider how this person/relationship is affecting you and your life, and whether it’s a positive or negative change for you.
Remember to trust yourself. If something feels wrong or off, it’s a sign to step back, slow down, and take a closer look at how things are going and whether you want to continue down the path you’re on.
link love
Links to articles & such that we liked this week!
The Survivor Manual, a website for survivors and their families/friends from filmmaker Angela Shelton
The dangers of sharing passwords, from thehotline.org
Myths & facts about male survivors, from Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Adults aren’t the only ones affected by abusive relationships. We’re taking our message about teen dating violence out into area high schools again this week.
Think you might be in an abusive dating relationship? Or do you want to talk to your teens about healthy dating vs. abusive relationships? Here are some resources to help.
Join the Let Your Heart Rule Campaign
Dating Quizzes & Info from LoveisRespect.org
Guide for parents talking with teens about dating violence
Tools for breaking up in a healthy way from Start Strong
Just starting to date tips from girlshealth.gov
And…some of the best advice I’ve ever heard about healthy vs. abusive relationships, at any age: if you can’t be yourself in a relationship, the relationship shouldn’t be.
Bill of Rights for Survivors
You are more than a victim or survivor. You have your own unique identity and personality.
You are strong.
You are courageous.
And…
You have the right to have loving, healthy relationships.
You have the right to be angry over your past abuse.
You have the right to choose to change your situation.
You have the right to freedom from fear of abuse.
You have the right to request & expect assistance from police & social organizations.
You have the right to want better role models for yourself (and your children).
You have the right to express your own thoughts and feelings.
You have the right to be supported, and not isolated, from others.
You have the right to leave the abusive environment.
You have the right to return to that environment if you choose.
You have the right to your privacy.
You have the right to develop your individual talents and abilities.
You have the right to legally prosecute the abuser if you choose to.
You have the right to be imperfect.
You are in charge of your own life.
