Unspeakable War
by Pat Doud

Never has a battle lasted so long. Sometimes the enemy remains quiet for extended periods of time. But, without notice, it can rear its ugly head and consume body, mind and soul. Those caught in its midst hesitate to reach out for help for fear of being misunderstood or ridiculed. The strong are unable to comprehend how this war cannot be stopped in its tracks. Some acknowledge the war, but are too frightened to help. There are army's trained and willing to help, but they are so overloaded with cases, that many victims fall through the cracks. Little concern is available for the underpaid and overworked troops. These front-runners are on the battlefield day after day. The battle so rages that their emotions pay the highest price. This team of workers gets a first hand view of the great need, which exists. They are overwhelmed by limited funds stretched to the max. The misunderstood war of which I speak is the war against abuse. This war rages on, ravaging lives and stripping often every ounce of the victims self esteem. And, sometimes it can only by satisfied by taking a life. This evil is no respecter of age. It spans the range from infants to the elderly.

Our government is called upon to fund many battles. But, choices have to be made and budgets cut. Churches and civic organizations are pressed to take up a greater portion of the expenses and the caseloads. Volunteers are being drafted to help with cases involving domestic violence, child protection issues, and court appointed advocates. Shelters can¹t officially receive funding from the government until they have been in existence for 3 years. Could you support you family without funds?

There are alternatives. And you can help without being on the battlefield. Voices of Informed Citizens Educating Society Against Abuse, Inc. are doing just that. We are building a memorial garden in honor of the abused. Contributions are divided in such a way that a large portion is donated to local government assisted programs to help extend their services and a portion is earmarked for the Garden Memorial Program

We all love beautiful flowers, landscaped pathways to wonder on lazy afternoon, or just sitting quietly in a gazebo enjoying birds, butterflies and fresh air. Your pleasure would be enhanced knowing that a part of your donation made this park possible to be enjoyed by you, your children and the community and that a large portion helped someone less fortunate.

God has given us one of his greatest gifts of nature to help overcome the trials and tribulations of this battle.

Our mission: To promote awareness of abuse and establish a memorial in honor of the abused.

Donations to this memorial generates funding for organizations which battle each day to stretch dollars to provide care, counseling, housing and clothing for those struggling to break away from violators. V.O.I.C.E.S. Against Abuse, Inc. originated in Milam County. We have provided local funding for Child Protective Services, Food Bank Services, Rape Kits, Out Reach Centers, Women's Shelter, educational books to the Public Library and Scholarships for students entering a field of study which could ultimately provide care for those caught in the ravaging grip of abuse. Yes, even before the first plant has felt the warm earth the funds have already been shared and the seeds of recovery planted.

You can help. Through regular donations, or, if you feel a call to support those already entrenched (see Luke 4:8), let us help you start a Voices Against Abuse Chapter in your city. Plant the seeds and harvest God's good deeds as we work in unison to proclaim for the abused...(John 15:13) "...get thee behind me Satan." (1 Jo 4:4)"...Stronger is he that is in me than he that is in the world." To start a chapter in your area or join the Rockdale , TX chapter, call Pat Doud, 1-512-446-3066. Pat is the Founder and President of the Board of Directors. The phone will be answered by her business name. Just ask for Pat.

V.O.I.C.E.S. Against Abuse, Inc. is a 501c3, Not-For-Profit Organization, registered with the State of Texas. Visit us at www.voices-memorial.org.