For our November challenge we will be 'Riding Swarm at Thorpe Park whilst eating a 99!' As nominated via Twitter!, To nominate us tweet your challenge to @thegravitygirls - from now on those who challenge us choose the charity we raise for!,

Novembers challenge was set by @msangelaholmes for this reason:

Refuge is a charity very dear to my heart, for some reason there are people in this world that think it's ok to abuse those who love them, whether that be mentally, physically or emotionally. This is not right and those who suffer don't just suffer for months after the abuse they suffer for years sometimes centuries. Often when they go through it their self esteem has been knocked so badly that they don't even really understand or believe what they have been suffering isn't right or even believe it is their fault they are suffering. They disconnect themselves from those around them and often suffer alone, those abusing them watch for signs of confidence and who brings them this and find ways of cutting them off from them. Whilst they are going through this the only thing I feel can help them is for those around them to try and help boost their self esteem which has suffered badly over time - the process can be so gradual. Once they grow stronger and their self esteem does pick up they would then be ready to either open up to someone or make a call and quite often that call is to someone they don't know, that first call after days, months or years of suffering could be to 'Refuge' and that's why I feel it is so important this charity is supported and that it exists. They at this point are at a very delicate stage so easy to slip back into how things were again, That call to a friend, family member or 'Refuge' could be crucial to helping them get themselves into a safer/healthier situation. Here are the shocking facts:

• 2 women are killed every week in England and Wales by                    a current or former partner (Homicide Statistics, 1998) – 1 woman killed every 3 days
• 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence over their lifetimes
  
• Every minute police in the UK receive a domestic assistance call
  
• The 2001/02 British Crime Survey (BCS) found that there were an estimated 635,000 incidents of domestic violence in England and Wales. 81% of the victims were women and 19% were men. Domestic violence incidents also made up nearly 22% of all violent incidents reported by participants in the BCS (Home Office, July 2002)
• On average, a woman is assaulted 35 times before her first call to the police (Jaffe, 1982)

This needs to change, with education and an understanding of what someone suffers we can help those out of a terrible situation that sadly often leads to a terrible outcome. These charities are educated in what to listen out for and signs to spot and the PUBLIC need this kind of KNOWLEDGE.

It's about time people were taught in schools when young to respect those who are kind enough to give you and trust you with their love, It's about time people are educated what WRONG and RIGHT behavior is inside of a relationship is. It is NEVER RIGHT for either partner to resort to emotional or physical or mental abuse and charities like this also educate the public through advertising and media. The more people understand the less others will tolerate and the more those around them will notice the signs and know what support to give them to help them out.

Spread the love, knowledge and support those around you who may be suffering as best you can, no you can't make them get out but yes you can work with them on their self esteem until they are strong enough to see things clearly.

Please give generously to such a great cause! :-)

Thanks

Angela Holmes

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.