Glamour Magazine, Joe Biden and Domestic Violence

I haven’t been a reader of Glamour magazine since my college days, but I just might pick up the June issue. In it readers will find an interview with Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden as they talk about a cause they hold very dear to them, domestic violence. For over twenty years the Biden’s have worked on this issue. I applaud that. Biden’s likening of domestic violence being “worse than prison” is quite accurate. It works perfectly with Glamour’s ‘Tell Someone’ campaign.

Personally, I feel that this issue isn’t played up enough. We have just past the one year mark for Yeardley Love. I live in a state that has the worst policies in the country for domestic abuse victims. Sixteen years after my own “prison break” I still suffer nightmares, flashbacks and the odd ticks that people with post-traumatic stress disorder encounter. Sixteen years later and I still don’t think this subject is taught to kids in school nearly enough. Our children are not educated in how to deal with relationships like this or how to help a friend who is involved in this way either.

I hope that by my continually talking about it people will be educated and talk to their kids about domestic violence in adult and teen relationships. It isn’t a sudden slap usually, but a pattern that is sneaky and hidden. Just like the victim hides their bruises the abuser hides his or her behavior. Talk to your kids- boys and girls alike. Educate yourself on this matter and your spouse. As a survivor, I can tell you that being in this vicious cycle is incredibly lonely and confusing. Don’t be afraid to help.