Domestic Violence: Pay Attention People

Domestic abuse has many cases that go unspoken because the victim fears not being heard.
Depression, anxiety, and other disorders can transpire from domestic abuse. These conditions are prominent within the black community in today’s time.
Because toxicity has been normalized and justified in relationships today, it is harder for people to realize the dangers of it.
For example, on September 3, 2022, twenty-one year old Alvin Allen, shot and killed twenty-five year old Keandre Williams in an act of domestic violence. Alvin reacted to seeing his ex-girlfriend with someone else, which resulted in death.
Northwestern State student and psychology major, Ariyanna Nichols states, “In most cases they are not completely horrible people. They know it is wrong. They are usually super emotional people but just don’t know how to handle and express their emotions correctly.” The psychology student goes on, “Most times, people attempt to normalize it by calling it toxic, and laughing it off, when in reality, it is dangerous. Although It is simply how the abuser shows love and exercises their emotions in most cases, it should not be taken lightly.
Even though it has been proven not easy for domestic violence victims to come forward, the world is working to change that. Victim Housing is an apartment complex made solely for domestic violence and abuse victims. The apartments will be cheaper than most, and fully furnished.
There is also a hand sign associated with domestic violence. The hand sign is used to discreetly ask for help. The hand goes up, the palm out, thumb tucked, then fold fingers down. The sign has aided in helping many women across the world when involved with abuse.
Women have been known to ask hairdressers for an “Angel Cut With Layers,” which is another form of discreet notification of abuse or a cry for help. When the hairdresser is asked for an “angel cut,” they are to immediately understand the coded message.
Another “angel” term is the “angel shot”, which is a coded message used at bars, and restaurants by those that feel unsafe.
As scary as it may be to ask someone outside of a domestic situation for help, Southern University’s Office of Student Media urges those in unsafe situations to use these different forms of messages to seek help and aid.