Why the Nation Can’t Ignore the ‘Unspoken Problem’ of Domestic Violence

Posted: Oct 10, 2011 at 12:09 PM [Oct 10, 2011]

By Kristi Mailloux
President of Molly Maid

It’s an issue no one wants to talk about in Ann Arbor – Domestic Violence. But Molly Maid strongly believes every woman and child deserves to feel safe in their own home, which is why we’ve taken up this important cause.

Approximately 1.3 million women each year are physically assaulted by an intimate partner in the United States, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Domestic violence is a growing nationwide problem and we recognize that. While millions of women report this crime, there are too many others who are afraid their situation is beyond help.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and throughout this time, Molly Maid businesses across the country will increase awareness of domestic violence and raise money through the non-profit organization, the Ms. Molly Foundation.

Since nation wide efforts began in 1996, Molly Maid has raised more than $1 million to help support local safe houses and domestic violence shelters across the country. Most of this money is raised each October, during the annual “Making a Difference Drive,” the largest fundraising event of the year for this cause. We also collect much-needed goods on a national level that we donate to local shelters.

In Ann Arbor, we are holding a Ms. Molly Auction on October 14. All of the proceeds from the auction support our local shelters LACASA <http://www.lacasa1.org/> , SAFE House Center of Ann Arbor <http://www.safehousecenter.org/> and over 100 shelters across the country.

While the month of October is extremely important to Molly Maid, our efforts don’t stop there. Throughout the year, Molly Maid’s all over the nation donate ten cents of every clean to their charity. We also offer employees a chance to dress casual from August through October by donating $20 for 5 casual days to the Ms. Molly Foundation.

We are often asked: “Why Domestic Violence?” The answer is simple. This is a natural fit for every Molly Maid through out the country. Victims of domestic violence cross all economic, social and racial boundaries. Also, since we talk to people in their homes every day and our employees and customers can all relate to someone who has dealt with domestic violence, it’s a cause near and dear to all of our hearts. This compassion continues to grow.

If you suspect someone you know is being abused, you might consider asking yourself these questions, courtesy of Women against Domestic Violence:

Have you seen evidence of injuries?
Have you accepted her explanations for her black eyes, bruises or broken bones?
Does she miss work frequently?
Does her partner show an unusual amount of control over her life?
Have you noticed changes in her or her children's behavior?
Does her partner embarrass or ridicule her in public?
Does her partner blame her for the way he acts or the things he says?

Awareness of this important issue is the key to helping with prevention. We are hopeful that through the education of people across the nation about this very serious issue, others will be inspired to help and give back as well. For more information on The Ms. Molly Foundation, visit www.mollymaid.com/foundation <http://www.mollymaid.com/foundation>