This month at Babeland, its Pink October and we?re working with customers to support the Young Survival Coalition. �While we?re all working very hard to support breast cancer awareness, I thought I?d share that it is also Domestic Violence awareness month.Domestic Violence affects millions of people every year, yet this issue seems to get little attention. �Here are some statistics from the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

• Approximately 33 million or 15% of all U.S. adults, admit that they were a victim of domestic violence.
• 20% of teens who have been in a serious relationship have been hit, slapped, or pushed by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
• 1 out of 3 women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime.

I know, it's very sad.� But there's good news! You can get involved and help out in really simple ways.� Here's how:

• Wear purple! (Purple is the official color of domestic violence awareness.)
• Donate your old or broken phone to Verizon's Hopeline.� Why not? You probably have one lying around that you have no idea what to do with anyway.� It's so easy, you can drop it off or ship it free! (Verizon provides phones to participating domestic violence agencies and organizations nationwide for use by victims and survivors as they rebuild their lives.)
• Volunteer at your local domestic violence shelter.� The National Domestic Violence Hotline has a list organized state by state on where local shelters are.
• Attend an event! There are lots of walks, workshops, fundraisers going on all over to support domestic violence awareness. Find one in your area and support the cause!
• Not sure how else to help? From now until the end of 2010, every time you purchase a Babeland Goodie Bag (which includes 3 different lube samples and Babeland condoms), Babeland will donate $2 to our recipients (the grand total will be split 3-ways between these organizations). Two of these organizations, the Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse and the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, specifically focus on violence against LGBT populations.

Also, if you're looking for more ways to find healing within your own sexuality, Babeland recommends the Staci Haines' book Healing Sex, which focuses on a holistic approach to reclaiming one's mind/body/soul connection subsequent to a trauma. The title is available on Babeland.com and in select stores.