Dear Sisters,
At Convention 2007 in Jacksonville, I announced that OPhiA’s national President’s Project for 2008 was Domestic Violence Awareness. I chose this project primarily because of an incident in which an OPhiA sister has lost her life. But when I made the announcement, I was surprised at the number of sisters who spoke to me about people they knew who were involved in similar situations. Domestic violence is an escalating pattern of violence or intimidation by an intimate partner or spouse, which is used to gain power and control. Domestic violence occurs at all socio-economic levels, and in families from all cultures and ethnic origins. And, it can affect all ages. Domestic violence should not happen to anybody. Ever. Period. If you know of someone you think is being abused, please consider contacting a domestic violence shelter to discuss ways to safely help that person. As you plan your service projects, know that Omega Phi Alpha will make a difference in the lives of people who are dealing with domestic violence.