Community

Martha is the mother of Liza Ellen Warner, a popular hair stylist from Guilderland who lost her life on October 1, 2004, as a victim of domestic violence, suffering at the hands of her husband. who murdered her. Liza’s story, unfortunately, is not unlike many who suffer abuse by a spouse. The warning signs were misinterpreted by her family and friends as that of a protective husband.

Soon after her daughter’s death, Martha became one of the area’s strongest advocates on domestic violence. Martha speaks out on behalf of sufferers and survivors of abuse in the hopes of helping others at risk.Martha Warner has started a foundation in her daughter's memory http://www.lizaslegacy.org/ . Liza's Legacy Foundation is dedicated to honoring life and giving hope to survivors of domestic violence and their families. They support the efforts of individuals and agencies who work towards a common goal of bringing awareness through education and assisting those whose lives are affected everyday by this tragic epidemic.

The Greater Federation of Women's Club president, Jacquelyn Pierce, topic for her term of office is Domestic Violence. The GFWC levels go from local like here in Amsterdam, NY to international. For more information on this organization, please visit their website: www.gfwc.org

I spoke with Susanna Combs of the Amsterdam Century Club and she stated the focus on domestic violence, making the public aware, and to let it be known that it affects all walks of life from lower income households to affluential ones as well. The Amsterdam Century Club is hoping to start off their new year by offering the education and help of domestic violence to people who may be affected personally or may have friends or family members affected by this tragedy. People from all walks of life are affected by this and the Century Clubs goal is to offer help by reaching out to those in need of support and education through this worthy program.

“Unfortunately, domestic violence does not discriminate. I thought that since this is the new year, some folks may want to begin a new life and if this is what they are facing in their lives, what better way to start out than to become educated and want better for themselves - realize that they are not alone, people want to help. Other representatives from community organizations will be joining us on this day as well to support the effort to educate and empower those affected in our community.” Susanna said. For further information, please contact: Susanna Combs (518) 378-0928.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone. Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

Know the signs.

You may be in an emotionally abusive relationship if your partner:

Calls you names, insults you or continually criticizes you.
Does not trust you and acts jealous or possessive.
Tries to isolate you from family or friends.
Monitors where you go, who you call and who you spend time with.
Does not want you to work.
Controls finances or refuses to share money.
Punishes you by withholding affection.
Expects you to ask permission.
Threatens to hurt you, the children, your family or your pets.
Humiliates you in any way.

You may be in a physically abusive relationship if your partner has ever:

Damaged property when angry (thrown objects, punched walls, kicked doors, etc.).
Pushed, slapped, bitten, kicked or choked you.
Abandoned you in a dangerous or unfamiliar place.
Scared you by driving recklessly.
Used a weapon to threaten or hurt you.
Forced you to leave your home.
Trapped you in your home or kept you from leaving.
Prevented you from calling police or seeking medical attention.
Hurt your children.
Used physical force in sexual situations.

You may be in a sexually abusive relationship if your partner:

Views women as objects and believes in rigid gender roles.
Accuses you of cheating or is often jealous of your outside relationships.
Wants you to dress in a sexual way.
Insults you in sexual ways or calls you sexual names.
Has ever forced or manipulated you into to having sex or performing sexual acts.
Held you down during sex.
Demanded sex when you were sick, tired or after beating you.
Hurt you with weapons or objects during sex.
Involved other people in sexual activities with you.
Ignored your feelings regarding sex.

If you answered 'yes' to these questions you may be in an abusive relationship; please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or your local domestic violence center to talk with someone about it. (http://www.ndvh.org/educate/what_is_dv.html, 2008)

In Montgomery County you may also call Catholic Charities. Their number is 842-3384, out of the area – 800-721-2173.