Unions are focusing their attention on domestic violence this October as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Women in Conner's position don't leave the abuse behind when they go to work in the morning. Abusive husbands and lovers harass nearly three-fourths of battered women at work, either in person or over the telephone. However, Conner did not share her pain with any of her co-workers. It was one of those things you never talk about because you're so embarrassed.
Women are too ashamed to talk about it.
The police officer advises that if you believe a co-worker or friend is suffering abuse, encourage her to talk about it. It is important that friends, colleagues and family help a battered woman regain control over her life by not making decisions for her, she adds. Tourville strongly encourages women to contact hotlines, shelters and local police early on to learn about their options and to develop a safety plan to avoid and escape the abuse. Too embarrassed to speak about her husband's violence, Conner did not reach out for any of these resources and endured years of pain. After 22 years, Conner at last told her husband that she did not love him anymore.