Abuse Statistics Can Be Turned Into Success Stories

Domestic abuse, or the “invisible epidemic” as some suggest, impacts one out of four women.

Daily, over 20-people-per-minute are physically abused by their intimate partner in America.

That’s not all.

One in in 15 children are exposed to domestic abuse and over 90% witness it first hand —creating a lifetime of emotional scars. Like a constant companion, the memories of their abusive environment never quite go away — even when they reach adulthood.

But aside from the physical, psychological and emotional toll such abuse creates, there’s also an economic one as well.

In fact, victims of domestic violence lose eight million days of paid work each year, and between 21% and 60% of victims lose their jobs, altogether.

Between 2003-2008, 142 women were murdered at their workplace by their domestic abuser.

Over 30 years ago, a relative of this author was brutally murdered by an abusive ex-boyfriend, who stalked and then followed her into an apartment where he violently ended her life, the life of the man she was dating at the time and then he took his own.

A double murder-suicide.

Although a young child, the memories of that day and the days that followed will never be forgotten – and still haunt me even to this day.

And so the story of Katie Mares — a survivor of domestic abuse, is inspiring women all over the country who have faced similar circumstances, and on March 8 — International Women’s Day — Kate launched a podcast, "Ladies Take Control," a broadcast dedicated to women facing challenging times — marking a significant step in providing support and resources for abuse victims like herself.

The inaugural episode features Katie's courageous story, where she candidly shares her experiences of abuse endured in past relationships.

Despite grappling with self-doubt, Katie is resolute in becoming a beacon of hope for others and fostering a supportive community through her podcast. Produced by Women in Media Network, the podcast aims to be a catalyst for change and healing.

But there’s more. This Summer, the "Ladies Take Control" app launches — and the app, alongside the podcast and community, will serve as a lifeline for women who have been silenced, oppressed and rendered powerless by abuse.

As the statistics prove, domestic abuse isn’t getting better, it’s getting worse — and resources like this podcast and the app are both life changing and life saving.

As Thomas Keneally, the Australian novelist and playwright said, "Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire."

From 2007-2010, Mark Vargas served as a civilian in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense, traveling to Baghdad, Iraq, 14 times. Follow Mark on Twitter: @markavargas. Read Mark Vargas' Reports — Click Here Now.