I love this logo and use it all the time. In fact, I have the bumper sticker on my car. I grew up in a household battered with domestic violence. It was an awful situation, and that's putting it lightly.

The best thing you can do to help someone in an abusive relationship is to educate yourself about domestic abuse and the community resources offered in your area. Then, you can attempt to help someone who needs it. Remember, though, that it isn't easy.

End the Silence.

What is Domestic Violence?

When one person in an intimate relationship tries to control and manipulate the other person in the relationship.

Emotional putdowns, physical assaults, and sexual pressures (often used to establish the control).

These relationships often go up and down, cycling between good times and bad times. My mom used to say about her violent relationship: "When it's good, it's really good. But when it's bad, it's really, really bad."

If you want to help someone in an abusive relationship, make sure they know:

• You are not alone.
• We believe you.
• It is not your fault.
• We are here to support you.
• There are resources that will help.

• Refuse to tolerate abuse of any kind in your community.
• Base your own relationships in respect.
• Confront attitudes and beliefs that support abuse.
• Promote and contribute to community resources that work in your community.
• Stop the Secrets, End the Silence, Break the Cycle.