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August 4, 2009 -- Driven by the economic downturn, financial problems, which contribute to 65% of all U.S. divorces, have spiked domestic violence. In 2009, almost 3 out of 4 domestic violence shelters reported a 51% increase of women in crisis with financial problems.
The increase in abuse to women is also blamed to rising unemployment.
However, to help stop the cancerous growth, Debt Free League took action by supporting Dr. Andrea Pennington. The self-empowerment coach, who was featured twice on the Oprah Winfrey Show, also appeared on CNN, Fox News, the Today Show, and the Early Show - CBS.
On August 5, Pennington Empowerment Foundation kicks off the first I LOVE YOU, ME! Women's Empowerment Conference in partnership with the Blush Initiative created by Frankie B of Blush Cosmetics. During the free three-day conference, fifteen homeless women from the Rachel's Women's Center in Washington, DC who were affected by domestic violence will undergo a total health and wellness transformation. The talented musical performer, Meritxell Negre will also entertain.
Meritxell, better known as Peaches of the Internationally-known R&B group, Peaches and Herb, has performed with other famed recording artists including, Acoustic Alchemy, Musiq Soulchild, and Grammy-winning songwriter, Gordon Chambers.
The entertainer participated in other grassroots movements, such as State of New Mexico Barack Obama Inaugural Party. Now, the Spaniard and I LOVE YOU, ME! Hispanic Spokesperson, informs the Latino community about the perils of domestic violence.
"Many Latino women affected by financial problems and domestic violence don't know where to turn. However, Debt Free League and their Spanish affiliate Libre de Deudas, are right on track getting people out of debt and supporting our cause," exclaims Meritxell.
The singer/songwriter recorded the I LOVE YOU, ME! anthem, which she co-wrote with Dr. Pennington.
Dr. Pennington is a medical expert and author of The Pennington Plan: 5 Simple Steps for Achieving Vibrant Health, Emotional Well being and Spiritual Growth and The Pennington Plan for Weight Success. Her vastly successful treatment style integrates traditional medicine, acupuncture, fitness instruction, nutritional consultation, spiritual direction, and empowerment coaching.
Revered as Americas Recovery Doctor, Dr. Pennington's Life Transformation Makeovers have improved the mental and physical wellness of many Americans, such as a client who lost 250 pounds through the Pennington Plan for Weight Success & Nutrition 101.
Now the doctor's delivering resources to address domestic violence through the non-profit, Pennington Empowerment Foundation and the I LOVE YOU, ME! Women's Empowerment Project.
Debt Free League has supported charities for AIDS, Leukemia, Huntington's Disease, and victims of natural disasters. However, the link between financial problems and rises in domestic violence aligns I LOVE YOU, ME! more directly with the company's mission.
The debt settlement company guides families with financial hardships, such as job loss, to achieve financial wellness. Their service helps people negotiate settlements of unsecured debts at reduction of the balance owed.
Correlating financial ills with increases in domestic violence, Dr. Pennington points to Mary Kay's Truth About Abuse national survey, which reports a wide increase in requests for assistance from domestic violence victims. Out of over 600 shelters surveyed, 73% attributed the rise in abuse to financial issues, while 61% and 49% respectively blamed stress and job loss.
A 2004 National Institute of Justice study confirms financial stress as a major contributor to domestic violence.
The record loss of jobs and financial stress has created a greater need for domestic violence programs. "With cuts in federal funding and private donations to shelters for abused women, we are thrilled to support the I LOVE YOU, ME! Women's Empowerment Conference," comments Eric Santacruz, Director of the National Debt Relief Stimulus Plan.
The doctor, whose not-for-profit mission is to encourage people to manifest their fullest potential as they realize their total essence of loving themselves as a whole - mind, body and spirit attracted many excited conference volunteers.
People have donated clothes. The women will be pampered with a beauty and fashion makeover aiming to teach them how to dress in the workplace. Dr. Pennington will be providing psychological training.
Debt Free League also donated a certificate redeemable up to a $5,000 value for their debt negotiation and settlement service. During the conference awards ceremony, Dr. Pennington will award the certificate to a qualified candidate.
Through its support, Debt Free League aims to help create awareness about financial stress, a root cause of domestic violence. According to the American Medical Association, domestic violence causes more injuries than the combination of rapes, muggings, and auto accidents.
Debtors in financial crisis may call Debt Free League at 1-800-213-9968. The company provides a free, no-obligation consultation.
About Debt Free League:
Debt Free League offers a debt settlement program that helps consumers and small business owners resolve financial hardships by negotiating settlements on personal, medical, and business debts. Free phone consultations are available by calling (800) 213-9968.
About Pennington Empowerment Media
The organization provides a wealth of self-help information, such as "Empowered for Life! With Dr. Andrea, airing weekly on BlogTalkRadio and can be seen on YouTube. Domestic violence awareness was a recent topic on the radio show.
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