Welcome to the first edition of No Hurt, an electronic magazine (e-zine) published by Young People's Press. The purpose of No Hurt is to provide a forum for discussion on the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault.

It is estimated that several million women suffer from non-fatal violence each year in North America. This does not include violence directed at children, men or the elderly.

Domestic violence crosses lines of ethnicity, race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, religion and socioeconomic status.

Myths abound concerning domestic violence. One is that domestic violence only touches the lives of impoverished women who live with alcoholic partners. Although substance abuse and poverty do affect relationships, these are not the only causes of domestic violence and abuse, even if they are sometimes the triggers.

Another myth is that domestic abuse cannot exist without physical scars, broken/fractured bones and bruises. This perspective can lead to the dismissal of the allegations made by those psychologically abused. Ironically, it is the psychological torment that many sufferers of domestic abuse find most difficult to survive and heal from. In fact, some victims will experience devastating depressions, question their self-worth and have difficulty forming healthy relationships.

Many victims, because of the learned stereotypes of men and expected behaviors of women, will feel at fault and deserving of their abuse. These feelings of guilt often trap victims in abusive relationships and prevent them from seeking help. Domestic violence is not a 'behind the closed door of the home' issue. Victims attend school, hold jobs, have families and friends. Sometimes sufferers are forced to abandon their lives and identities to protect themselves. For others, shelters and outreach programs help rebuild their lives.

In many rural and isolated communities, however, outreach programs, shelters and counselling information are not readily available and sufferers are forced to continue to live with abuse they cannot escape.

The dissemination of facts, the acceptance of equality, and the understanding that NO means NO are some of the first steps which must be taken in order to end the cycle of domestic abuse.

No one asks to be abused, harassed or raped. No one is deserving of such a violation and no one is responsible for being assaulted.

The articles and stories published here are reflections of a 'zero tolerance' for domestic violence attitude on the part of survivors and concerned community members alike.

Young People's Press is a national news service for youth. Its mandate is to give young people a voice. YPP articles have appeared in more than 220 daily, weekly and monthly newspapers, including weekly sections in the Toronto Star, the Halifax Chronicle-Herald, the Kitchener/Waterloo Record and the Prince Albert Daily Herald.

YPP also prints curriculum guides that are distributed to schools across Canada and publishes other electronic magazines on disabilities issues, health issues, voluntarism and responsible drinking.

CCSJ/YPP thanks the many people who provided input to this project. The project was made possible through a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. CCSJ/YPP is very grateful for the support.