For the last several weeks in one of our domestic violence support groups, we have been discussing the idea of loving ourselves better as a way of healing from domestic abuse as well as walking through life with healthier relationships. Interestingly enough, this topic came about as a bi-product of other questions. I, as an advocate, had been asked by several clients what a good man looked like or how you can tell whether a man is good or bad. What I was hearing was a longing to know what we should be looking for in a good relationship. So I initially set off to cover the topic of what a “Good Mate” looked like. There was only one problem though. I quickly realized I would be spinning my wheels if we didn’t first start with whether we loved ourselves well or not. We could spend all the time in the world looking at what a good relationship or romantic partner might look like, but it wouldn’t do much good if our clients had a poor or broken view of themselves to beg
Dove is an organization that engages religious institutions, volunteers, and advocates seeking to coordinate efforts to address unmet needs and social injustices. These needs are met through coordinated programs focusing on domestic violence, homelessness, education, volunteer and community empowerment, and individual emergency need fulfillment. Dove works for justice, equality, and understanding among all people.