Domestic violence affects every city in every part of this country.  There isn't a poster child for domestic violence.  It can happen anywhere no matter your sex, color, orientation, or income.

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Domestic violence can happen to anyone.   Abuse is abuse, no matter physical or emotional.  Nine times out of ten, emotional abuse turns into physical abuse.

You'd be surprised at how many people in your life are victims of domestic abuse.  I personally am a victim of domestic violence.  I was lucky, I was able to get away from my abuser.  A lot of people aren't.

If it's so bad, why don't they just leave?

The highest risk to the victim of domestic violence is when they try to leave their abuser.

It's not that simple.  An abuser has a way of reprogramming a person's brain to make them think that there is no escape and no way out.  The victim is constantly reminded of how small and worthless they really are,  how no one would want them, and no one will help them, and that the only person that will ever love them is the abuser.  After being told this for so long, it becomes reality.  The abuser will use violence and fear to show their power over the victim.  The abuser has a way of isolating you from your loved ones and gaining control of all aspects of your life including finances. All this leaves the victim helpless and scared.  Add children to the situation and it makes leaving that much more terrifying.  The abuser will use the children to control the victim and that can include abusing them as well.

People in domestic violence situations find it almost impossible to escape the situation.  Some don't ever escape, some lose their lives.

According to the <a href="https://tcfv.org/wp-content/uploads/tcfv_htv_summary_facts_2021.pdf" target="_blank">Texas Council on Family Violence</a>, in 2021, 204 people in Texas were killed by their intimate partners.   This includes 169 women, 35 men, and 12 LGBTQ+ victims.

How can a person in an abusive situation find help?

Amarillo has several resources available for those looking to flee a domestic violence situation.

Family Support Services has one of the best programs in our state when it comes to domestic violence.  If you are in a domestic violence situation call 806-374-5433.  The hotline is available 24/7 and bilingual as well.

If it is an emergency situation, they can help you get to safety. All you have to do is call the hotline.   Once the call is made, someone will come to pick you up at a designated meeting place and you will be placed in the emergency domestic violence shelter.

Family Support Services also has programs and services to help you get back on your feet after leaving a domestic violence situation.

If you are trying to find a way to get out of your abusive situation, Family Support Services offers some tips to help.  You can find those here.

Other resources include:

National Domestic Abuse Hotline:  1-800-799-SAFE (7233), it is a 24-hour hotline.

211 - Just dial 2-1-1, they can help with emergency resources

TANF - offers temporary assistance for families in need.

Just remember you are not alone, there is help and you are not in a hopeless situation.  As scary as the situation is, there is a way out, and people that will help you leave your abusive situation.

The Derelict Beauty of Amarillo's Abandoned Buildings

What is it about abandoned buildings tempts our imagination? Perhaps it's the fact that all of these places were once alive at one point of time. All of these buildings were once a part of everyday life.

But as they are now, they are empty and barren. All we have left of these abandoned properties in Amarillo are memories left to the echoes of time.

Your Answers For "What's That Unidentified Amarillo Object?"

The photo of "that one creepy thing" at the Amarillo Zoo has gone viral. While we don't know exactly what it is (and have a healthy dose of skepticism), some of these answers to "what the heck is this?" have us rolling.

Here's the best answers that were left in the comment section of our June 8 post on this Unidentified Amarillo Object.

Weird Signs On Coulter

 

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