Dave Editorial: The Reason Behind My Purple Nail

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tvrec
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Dave Editorial: The Reason Behind My Purple Nail

#1 Post by tvrec » Tue Oct 18, 2016 2:50 pm

Published today:

The Reason Behind My Purple Nail: Giving A Voice To Children Who Witness Domestic Violence
This type of trauma is something no child should ever experience.
10/18/2016 12:22 pm ET | Updated 25 minutes ago

“One in four women in the U.S. has experienced serious physical violence by an intimate partner. Most of this violence is committed by men.” says Liz Roberts, deputy CEO of Safe Horizon, the nation’s leading victim assistance organization. Too often, these same men also abuse the children of their female victims.

I should know, it happened to me.

In 1983, my mother was murdered when I was just 15 years old. In my documentary “Mourning Son,” stories unfold surrounding that tragedy. There was one particular event I had kept quiet about for most of my life.

My mother’s ex-boyfriend had threatened me with a gun and handcuffed me, leaving me terrified and helpless as I heard yelling and physical commotion downstairs between my mother and him. The crippling fear I felt as a child during this moment is unforgettable. That type of trauma is something no child should ever experience. The sad reality is that more than 3 million children in the U.S. witness domestic violence in the home every year. Most are powerless to do anything about it. As was I.

[My mother’s ex-boyfriend] couldn’t handle rejection. His actions forever changed a family.
We have to be their voice. The burden should not be put on children to either come forward or suffer in silence. As adults, we need to create safe spaces for kids and teens to talk openly about domestic violence so a child who may be experiencing or witnessing abuse can speak freely and get the help they desperately need.

My mother Connie was a beautiful, funny and kind woman. She was no doubt a “cool mom.” Unfortunately, she dated a jealous and insecure man who ultimately murdered her. Being manipulative and charming was part of his con, but it was his obsessive desire to control my mother that convinced him that she deserved to die simply because she wanted to leave the relationship. He couldn’t handle rejection. His actions forever changed a family.

I am honored to be the first male honoree for Investigation Discovery’s “Inspire a Difference” event for my advocacy efforts. Fighting against domestic violence is a selfless action I can take for children out there living in the fear of domestic violence. I do it for my mother and women like her.

If we remain silent, the insidious and rampant disease of domestic violence thrives.
That’s why I support Safe Horizon. I recently toured their largest domestic violence shelter. Upon entering I encountered a 6-year-old girl. All I could think was, “Thank God you’re here. Thank God you are safe.”

This October, for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I am painting my left ring fingernail purple (the color for domestic violence awareness), as part of Safe Horizon’s #PutTheNailinIt campaign. This simple action signifies my vow to end domestic violence and the silence surrounding it.

If we remain silent, the insidious and rampant disease of domestic violence thrives. We all must be part of the conversation and work for a solution to end it.

Whether you paint your left ring fingernail purple, or donate to support services for victims, your action is needed. Take the #PutTheNailinIt vow and join me today.

Multi-hyphenate talent Dave Navarro is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, television and radio host, and filmmaker. Best known as an original member of the iconic rock band Jane’s Addiction, Navarro has collaborated with everyone from Michael Jackson to Alanis Morissette to Nine Inch Nails. Dave also serves as the host of Spike TV’s “Ink Master.”

_________________

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the ... ?section=&

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Artemis
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Re: Dave Editorial: The Reason Behind My Purple Nail

#2 Post by Artemis » Tue Oct 18, 2016 4:52 pm

We have to be their voice. The burden should not be put on children to either come forward or suffer in silence. As adults, we need to create safe spaces for kids and teens to talk openly about domestic violence so a child who may be experiencing or witnessing abuse can speak freely and get the help they desperately need.
:nod: Growing up I witnessed and experienced domestic violence in my home. I never talked about it to anybody for years, probably not until I was in my 30s. Even though that was a long time ago and my father has been dead for 10 years now, I'm still always on alert and hypersensitive. I'm really aware of people's moods and behavior, and assess my surroundings in case I have to flee. I guess that's a little PTSD.

Good for Dave for being involved with this. I hope his celebrity will add more visibility and recognition so that people who need help can get it. :thumb:

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Matz
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Re: Dave Editorial: The Reason Behind My Purple Nail

#3 Post by Matz » Wed Oct 19, 2016 4:22 pm

Artemis wrote: :nod: Growing up I witnessed and experienced domestic violence in my home.
same here, super important cause

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