October is was(?) a big month for causes and we feel that despite our best efforts we may have neglected a few! The following each deserved their own weeks, their own months, but for times sake we'll sum them up below.
The Cause: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The Purpose: To connect battered women’s advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. To mourn those who have died because of domestic violence and celebrate
those who have survived.
Be Informed: One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime * An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year * 85% of domestic violence victims are women * Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew * Females who are 20-24 years of age are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence * Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police * Witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next * Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults * 30% to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household
Get Involved: You can start by contacting the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to see what you can do to help. They are always looking for donations and volunteers. We strongly recommend reaching out to a womens shelter or program in your community to see what you can do on a local level. And of course, if you or someone you know are currently in a violent or abusive situation please get help now by calling 911 or 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
The Cause: Attachment Parenting (AP) Month
The Purpose: To create one strong voice for AP through activities, events and
information and to celebrate what we believe in — the value of “Giving
Our Children Presence” for our families and for our communities.
Be Informed: Attachment Parenting holds at it's core eight principles. Prepare for Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting * Feed with Love and Respect * Respond with Sensitivity * Use Nurturing Touch * Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally
Provide Consistent and Loving Care * Practice Positive Discipline * Strive for Balance in Your Personal and Family Life
Get Involved: Whether you're a seasoned AP advocate or just taking a look at this method of parenting the API website has great resources. Check out the Parent Education Program or find a support group near you. You can also donate money or time to help in the continued success of API.
On April 7th, beautiful Madeline Alice Spohr tragically passed away. Daughter of blogger Heather and Mike, she was an amazing miracle baby who has touched many lives in her short time. We did not have a chance to know Maddie or her family personally, but since she's left this world we've witnessed first hand the outpouring of love, support and awareness abound. If you've already heard of Maddie and her family you've no doubt felt the love and have seen the sea of purple that has taken over blogs and twitter streams. If you haven't you can read about her first hand here and an amazing collection of tribute posts here. 
