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We Support the National Domestic Violence Hotline Read Connie's Story to Find Out Why...
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), established in 1996 as a component of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passed by Congress, is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims and perpetrators of domestic violence; as well as the friends and family members who support them. The Hotline serves as the only domestic violence hotline in the nation that directly connects callers to more than approximately 5,000 shelters and domestic violence programs across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Hotline answers a variety of calls and is a resource for domestic violence advocates, government officials, law enforcement agencies and the general public. NDVH Advocates answer approximately 18,500 calls each month. The Hotline is toll free, confidential and anonymous. NDVH operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in more than 140 different languages through interpreter services, with a TTY line available for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing. NDVH staff are also available to provide assistance and guidance in a variety of areas including media, public relations, fundraising, public policy, legal advocacy and public education and training. P.O. Box 161810 / Austin, TX / 78716 Office: 512-794-1133 / 1-888-239-9035 (TTY) Fax: 512-794-1199 www.ndvh.org/million 
A respectful relationship is not too much to expect or hope for...
Ten years ago, Connie decided to leave an abusive marriage. Although she faced obstacles in doing so, Connie knew that she did not deserve the relentless abuse. Many of the abusive behaviors listed in this brochure were present in her relationship. It began with Connie's abuser moving her from the town she had lived in all her life and then made it uncomfortable if friends or family wanted to visit (isolation) and while giving her the opportunity to make choices like select restaurants for dining, there was always something wrong with her choice (subtle control, you are always wrong). After years of the abuse escalating, Connie struggled with the idea that leaving the marriage meant "failure," and kept her relationship problems a secret from those close to her. Her "wake-up call" came one night while activating her home security alarm, at that moment she realized the only person she was afraid of was locked inside with her. She then formulated and executed a plan for a safe exit from the relationship. While things were difficult at first, Connie took time to focus on herself and learned to make different choices for her life. By taking the time to heal, Connie has been able to establish a successful business and is in a healthy marriage. Connie's story is very typical. Her message to you is that you do have choices. She knows first hand there is help, hope and a better life for anyone in an abusive relationship. Connie is now Pres/CEO of Connie Elder International. CEI specializes in products targeted for women: LIPO IN A BOX Shapewear, SMARTcare for skin, The SMART Bra, and other SMART products. Since 2002 Connie has been the on air spokesperson for LIPO IN A BOX on QVC in the US and UK. Connie donates proceeds from her company to support efforts to help create awareness for domestic abuse and to support breast cancer research. Connie Cares and supports making "EVERY HOME A SAFE HOME" by donating a percentage of sales to NDVH. For more information on the National Domestic Violence Hotline, please visit their website at www.ndvh.org. If you need to speak with someone immediately and you are NOT in a safe home, please call the NDVH Help Line to talk confidentially about your relationship and your choices. |
© 2009 Connie Elder International. All Rights Reserved.
Send all email correspondence to: info@connieelder.com
