When it’s not so simple to just walk away

Written By Hannah St. George

This October, we need to acknowledge that there are groups whose voices are not heard as much as they should be. Ones who are silenced out of fear, shame, or for their own survival. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we want to voice our support to those who have survived it as well as those who are looking for the strength to move forward from it and heal.

There are a variety of factors that make domestic violence a complex issue, and not as easy for victims as simply walking away. It’s a matter of a power imbalance, whether it’s physical, financial, or otherwise. Sometimes there’s a normalization of these sorts of relationship dynamics, whether it’s from cultural influences, or from someone growing up in a home where abuse and violence were a part of life. And while someone may want more than anything to leave a violent relationship, it comes down to not only the fear, shame, or guilt they might experience when coming forward, but a lack of resources, and even the moving parts when children are involved.

Leaving any relationship can be difficult. Doing so in an abusive situation can feel monumental, and even impossible without access to support and resources. That’s what allows someone suffering from domestic violence the courage to not only break the cycle, but to heal from it

Our goal at IMAS has always been to be a candle in the darkness for those who seek hope, not only for those within our dojo walls, but for our community as well. It’s for this reason that we have the programs in place that we do to empower our ranks early on. From our Tomoe Gozen class for our female-identifying students, to our Women’s Self-Defense program, we aim to provide not only training in physical skill and mindset, but we also foster community with one another.

This is why we will be collecting donations for Bridges, a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The following items are ones this organization is looking for to aid victims and survivors as well as their families as they rebuild their lives after domestic and sexual violence:

  • Tracfones with accompanying minutes

  • Cleaning products (Windex, floor cleaner, and bathroom cleaner)

  • Deodorant

  • Diapers (all sizes)

  • Dishwashing soap

  • Gas cards, phone cards, and gift cards (department stores, pharmacies, grocery, etc.)

  • Hand and body soap

  • Laundry detergent (HE)

  • New bath towels and sheets

  • Paper towels

  • Full size Shampoo/conditioner

  • Shaving cream/razors

  • Tissues

  • Toilet paper

  • Toothbrushes/toothpaste

  • Trash bags

Anyone is welcome to drop off any of these items at our office, or in the collection box by the Long Dojo at our school.

For anyone who would like to learn more about domestic violence and how to help someone who may be experiencing abuse, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is a resource for not only victims and survivors, but for allies as well.

UPDATE: We are extending our donation drive through Tuesday, October 31. If you are able, please bring any of the items above to the collection box. If you wish to make a monetary contribution, you may do so in the office.

Hannah St. George
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