Our Mission

While Domestic Abuse/Violence and Child Abuse is often regarded as a private, family matter, nothing could be further from the truth. Abuse is a pervasive, insidious, and life-threatening crime.

Always a Voice's mission is centered on awareness, education and prevention, with specific focus on providing encouragement and hope for survivors of both Domestic Abuse/Violence and Child Abuse. Our stance is to address both Domestic Abuse and Child Abuse—combined—thus shining a spotlight on the extensive overlap and co-occurance surrounding both of these public health issues.

What are some ways Always a Voice provides awareness, education and prevention?

• Collaboration and partnership with local, national and international organizations and NGOs;

• Theme-related conferences, symposiums, seminars, community awareness, events and more;

• Breakout sessions on Teen Dating Violence Awareness within middle schools and high schools;

• Donation and dispersement of "Promise Bags" (filled with books and resources) for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect and who are now in the custody of CPS and Foster Care;

• Local and web-based resources covering a myriad of corresponding needs relating to abuse and healing;

• Local and web-based support groups for survivors of both Domestic Violence and Child Abuse;

• Human Trafficking Awareness collaboration and educational efforts;

• Music and the Arts; and

• Theme-related book dispersement, funding and donations.

Understanding the Issue

Our mission is to help shine a spotlight on child abuse and domestic violence/abuse by raising awareness through information and resources. We believe in shedding light on the darkness through providing light and exposure. Silence is what perpetuates abuse in all forms. All forms of Abuse of Power—be it brutality, child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking (and the list goes on)—all of these issues are rooted in gross disrespect of others. (Learn more about Understanding the Issue Here.)

Recognizing the Signs

Child and adult victims of abuse will often develop visible, noticeable signs of trauma/distress in their development, behavior and everyday lives: social, cognitive, economical, spiritual, emotional, and physiological. We believe one of the best ways to combat the perpetuation of abuse is to educate families and community members to equip themselves with knowledge. Knowing how to recognize the signs of abuse is absolutely paramount! (Learn How to Recognize the Signs of Abuse Here.)

How to Help

Hearing stories, reading the news, viewing statistic, experiencing the pain of abuse on a personal level—all of these can be overwhelming and can even foster feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and despair. It is important to remember that "feelings" can be turned into action and change—a catalyst to propel forward to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. There are indeed a vast number of simple, doable things you can begin doing to support victims of abuse (especially children!!) and to make a positive impact in their lives. (Learn how you can help Here.)