Domestic violence is an unfortunate reality in our culture today. According to information published at domesticviolencestatistics.org, every nine seconds a woman is abused in the United States, and every day more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. However, while many instances of violence are perpetrated by men against women, acts of domestic violence can occur from both men and women.
Domestic violence is best understood as a pattern of abusive behaviors–including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic coercion–used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship. Batterers use a range of tactics to frighten, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, often injure, and sometimes kill a current or former intimate partner.
In October of 1981, a Day of Unity was organized by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Several years later, in 1987, the entire month of October was observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, in an effort to raise awareness on the topic and reduce instances of abuse around the country. That same year the first national toll-free hotline was started which serves to give support to the abused by offering a 24/7 phone line where they can call for support.
These lines offer broad support for anyone seeking help, from someone who may have questions about whether they’re in an unhealthy relationship, to individuals who need immediate assistance to escape a relationship that has turned aggressive and violent.
During the month of October, a range of activities take place around the country that is meant to mourn those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrate those who have survived, and connect those who work to end violence.
One of the most basic ways that individuals can become involved and show support is to wear a purple ribbon or clothing, which represents Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and to change social media photos to represent the cause.
If you or someone you love needs support and information on this topic, or help to escape a violent relationship, below is a list of national resources:
http://www.nrcdv.org/dvam/home-Domestiv Violence Awareness Project
http://www.thehotline.org/-The National Domestic Violence Hotline
http://www.helpguide.org/-Help Guide
http://nnedv.org/-National Network to End Domestic Violence
