Drive Against Domestic Violence - Ben Talei, MD - Nathan Talei, Esq.

riving in a Mini Cooper wrapped in logos for the charity to help draw attention to the marathon fundraising. The drive will proceed from New York City to Miami to Los Angeles. Interestingly, the fundraising aspect is only a small part of the driving force behind this marathon. The primary purpose of this drive is to elicit a new reflex in our lives and to help change the dynamic of the abused family. The resources to deal with domestic violence exist, however they are not fully utilized in most situations. This is the biggest problem we have witnessed in helping people overcome abuse. They feel alone and stuck in a dark place with no feasible way out without feeling ridiculed, criticized, or the fear of causing family disruption. We want to show them that this is not the case. That in fact, they themselves have friends and family who are in or have witnessed similar situations. That we all understand the inherent difficulties in stopping the cycle of abuse. And that all they need to do is reach out. All they need to do is say the word. This is a campaign of encouragement. We hope to spread a message of solidarity, understanding, and intolerance of this type of behavior. We cannot allow this to go on any longer. Domestic Abuse is alarmingly prevalent in the United States, just as it is in all other parts of the world. Unfortunately the recurring theme in history for many reasons is that it is most often kept secret, as most incidents are not reported. Roughly only one-quarter of all physical assaults, one-fifth of rapes, and one-half of all stalkings are reported to the police. The NCADV indicates that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Shockingly, 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. It is not only the direct victim of the abuse who suffers however, as all members of the family absorb the effects. The NCADV reports that witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next. Boys witnessing domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults. For these reasons and more domestic abuse cannot be tolerated. Dr. Talei has treated domestic violence victims in the past and the majority are fearful of taking the first step in stopping this terrible cycle. This is why Ben and Nathan Talei have chosen to undertake this drive – in order to propagate the awareness that there is a support system readily available to all those who need it. Moreover, they hope to encourage sufferers to reach out and decide to make the change. Households of abuse are extremely difficult to navigate alone and there are dozens of factors that go into gaining not only the strength, but also the ability to stop the cycle of emotional and physical abuse. The brothers hope to bring as many people together as possible to demonstrate unity in helping each other and denouncing acts of violence against our loved ones. Domestic violence in any form is never acceptable and it should never be tolerated. Along the drive, they hope to be joined by friends, abuse victims, community members, car clubs, and anybody else who can come and Take A Stand against domestic violence, showing support for each other. Please help spread the word by linking the charity page to your social media and by introducing your friends and family to the cause. As unbelievable as it may seem, we all have domestic abuse victims in our lives. We need to help them do what is right and find a way out. If possible, Join Ben and Nathan Talei on their drive. Help us gain awareness with postings, repostings, emails, and even hash tags. To help get you started: #driveagainstdomesticviolence #domesticviolence #NCADV #facetoface #takeastand #beverlyhillscenter #crosscountry #domesticabuse #love

If you have any ideas for sponsorship or spreading awareness please let us know! Please donate whatever you can by using the donation box on this page. All donations will go directly to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Also feel free to suggest meeting locations and events. Email [email protected]