As you all may know, this is DV (domestic violence) awareness month. Unfortunately this is a problem that effects many women, children, men, and families across the world and often gets swept under the rug. Something to keep in mind this month is that it was chosen to identify ways to help spread the word and give a helping hand to someone out there who may be suffering or victim of a violent, abusive, and controlling relationship.

As an advocate for children and women experiencing and exposed to DV in the home and in their relationships, I urge you to find out more about the local agencies and resources out there in your local area so that if you ever come across someone experiencing this, which I'm sure many of you have, you'll know where to help them get help. There are many shelters, advocates, and hotlines out there and the first place to start could be the National Hotline at (P) 1-800-799-SAFE.

Also, there are many ways you can help your local cause this month by volunteering, donating food & clothing, even money if you're able. Or you can call your local shelter or DV advocacy group or organization and ask for ways they may specifically need help. For any of you in the beauty or fashion industry, like Mary Kay or Avon reps, this would be a great time to unload your un-bought products since the holidays are coming up and these battered women would really benefit and appreciate such thoughtful gifts of beauty and independence.

And the simplest way to reach out and help of course, is aknowledge and offer your ears and time to someone who you may know that is experiencing this issue.