I was exiting the freeway, on Saturday and I noticed an elderly woman on the corner. I gave her some money and kept on my way. Today I was driving home in my comfortable car, and I happened to glance out the window to my right. I noticed an elderly woman pushing a cart filled with various items. She appeared to be disoriented, disheveled and more that likely homeless. I continued my drive home until I thought about it and turned around. By this time she had disappeared.
Women and families represent the fastest growing group among the homeless in 2016. Why might you ask? There are many reasons, but the most common are domestic violence and mental illness. What can we do?
I think we can begin by speaking up against domestic violence. We have been taught to turn our heads when we notice bruising or marks left on a family member that could only come from a beating. Violence toward another human is wrong whether it is our brother, uncle, or son that are the perpetrators. To remain silent is to approve of their actions.
As humans, we have the tendency to say, “That’s their business let them work it out.” At what point does it become our business? The abuser has taken away the victim’s voice. Take action you make the call that may save someone’s life.