News
The Human Element in a Domestic Violence Shelter Environment
Written by:
www.domesticabusecouncil.com
Our universe and our world are composed of many elements. We are all familiar with the basic elements on the periodic table for our existence. We need oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen. Then there are more interesting and alluring elements that are full of possibilities like carbon and platinum.
Through all of the essential items necessary in life to exist, we must address the most important element, the human element. Although not on the periodic table, it is the most complex of all. The Human Element has all of the properties for survival and it is adaptable to change and new environments.
The Human Element has vulnerability. Humans can express joy and sadness. Humans can create energy through laughter and tears.
Once aspect of the Human Element is Domestic Violence, also known as Intimate Partner Violence.
How does domestic violence affect the Human Element? The Domestic Abuse Council, Inc. operates in Volusia County, Florida and with a population of about a half a million people, just a mere spec in the universe amongst all the elements, last year 421 individuals lived in the emergency shelter. Of that total, 191 of those humans were children.
Those people slept in the shelter for 13,873 nights. What does that number mean? If one person sleeps in their bed in their home every night, that is 365 bed nights. So those 13,873 bed nights converts to 38 years.
Imagine the wear and tear on everything in the shelter. To live 38 years in one year. Just walking on the floors, opening and closing the doors. Turning the faucet on and off. Now add some energy. Folks who come to the shelter, whether they are young or old have experienced some kind of trauma. They may still be in crisis while living in the shelter. They may not be aware of their surroundings, like you are in your own home. They may not be gentle with their belongings because they are thinking about other things.
According to the Community Agenda Snapshot of Volusia & Flagler Counties 2014 report, the African American population for Volusia County is 10.8%. Why then were 47% of our children in residence at the shelter African American. Statistically speaking, there more than 4 times more African American children in shelter than are in the general population. It is a concerning enigma.
When dealing with domestic violence, as with the Human Element, there are more questions than answers.
New Style Shots!
We had a lot of fun shooting new style shots of our panties with Kansas City photographer Cameron Gee! Buy any style of MADI Apparel underwear and another pair is donated to a woman in need.
^^ The Kyle Classic Boyshort ^^
^^ The Pamela Cheeky Brazilian ^^
^^ The Bonnie High Rise Brief ^^
^^ The Kaydee Wide Lace Brazilian ^^
Help us provide underwear - the most needed, under-donated item of clothing - for women in need. All you have to do is buy a pair for yourself!
Xo, Team MADI
New Shop Window Decals ARE UP!
Wahoo!!! Big step today toward the big picture! The big picture = the opening of our very own retail storefront on the Kansas City Westside APRIL 3rd!!! That's during the Crossroads' First Fridays in April.
We now have our signage/logos up on our retail windows!! We admit, we should've left the installation of the decals to our amazing sign company, FASTSIGNS - because embarrassingly, we messed up a couple times and had to order more, oops! :)
Take a look at yesterday's sign-installing fun from start to finish!
^^ MADI babe, Jacqueline in front of our lonely, empty shop windows last week :( ^^
^^ First attempt with our first decal - aka OOPS! IT'S CROOKED! ^^
^^ MADI PR/marketing guru, Pam testing our leveling skills one more time in hopes that we don't make it crooked again :) ^^
^^ Looking good so far, think we are getting the hang of it! ^^
^^ On to "the big Kahuna" ^^
^^ Newest intern, Joe, seeing our signage for the first time! ^^
^^ Anndddd, we got it up before the snow storm hit, SUCCESS! ^^
We had fun - it's so exciting to think about having a physical store for us customers to come, feel our super soft bamboo panties and have fun with team MADI! Join us for our Studio Introduction launch event at our new space, 1659 Summit St. Kansas City, MO 64108 - April 3rd - 6-9pm!
Xo, team MADI