Over 5 years of volunteering
The reason I chose to work in the domestic violence movement is because
both my sister and her son (my nephew) were physically and verbally
abused during her marriage, and the results have
followed both of them for years after the marriage ended. Today
(about 10 years later), my nephew has serious issues - he doesn't work
well with people at school, and was placed under house arrest for
physical violence against one of his classmates. I hoped to be
able to do something to help the cause through my participation as a
Gateway volunteer. I've seen results here in Colorado, even
though they haven't translated into a better situation for my sister
and nephew.
I want to help victims of
domestic violence because there's far too little education, poor
enforcement and insufficient group and individual services available
today to serve the needs of DV victims. Without the benefit of
intervention, education, court advocacy, counseling and residential
services such as those provided by Gateway, it seems our society is
sure to see the horrible behaviors of today's abusers replicated in
future generations. I believe Gateway and its broad range of
services make a tremendous impact on domestic violence here in Colorado
(specifically in Aurora), and it's been a great honor for me to be able
to contribute in small ways toward that result.
My favorite Gateway memories are probably hearing our guest
speakers (survivors) share their stories at our annual luncheons. They really make the victim's struggle,
denial phase, difficulty in deciding to leave the situation, and
subsequent life transformation all come alive for me.
Additionally, I'd say that the entire experience of serving to fight DV
along with a group of such dedicated and passionate people has had a
significant impact on me. The experience has helped me in many
other areas of my life, including my efforts as a board member with
other non-profits.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, June 09 2007 )
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Volunteer Voices Section 
