Ileana Herrera Survived Domestic Abuse and is Now Encouraging Others to Step Forward
Ileane Herrera was abused all nine months of her pregnancy -- she endured physical abuse and torture but survived the ordeal to speak out against domestic violence.
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May 18, 2010
Ileane Herrera was abused all nine months of her pregnancy. She endured physical abuse and torture but survived the ordeal to speak out against domestic violence, reports CBS 47.
Herrera wants to encourage all victims of domestic abuse to stand up and share what they have experienced. She is choosing to speak out to shed light on the situation and to inform people about the lasting impact domestic abuse can have on all parties involved.
"I would like for them to connect it. To say, yes, this is maybe why I feel this way because of what I went through, what my mom went through," Herrera told the news source.
According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, between 1993 and 2004, in 43 percent of incidents involving female victims there was a child under the age of 12 present.
Domestic violence can have a negative impact on multiple victims. Children that are exposed to domestic violence have been found to suffer from emotional and psychological trauma. This may include anxiety and depression or even agression.
Victims of domestic abuse are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency to report any domestic violence incidents involving themselves or their children.
The Domestic Violence Resource Center offers insight into the patterns of domestic violence and how victims can cope with it, including how to spot the warning signs, confidential hotlines for victims to call, shelters that serve victims and information on non-profit organizations working to protect victims.
