Domestic Violence Awareness Month
This month’s theme, “With Survivors, Always” encourages connections between Domestic Violence survivors and others to strengthen support systems for those who need them.
Photo courtesy of Anete Lusina/Pexels
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The Joyful Heart Foundation defines domestic violence as “a pattern of behaviors used by an individual to maintain power and control over another member of a household, including, but not limited to, intimate partners and children. Domestic violence can take the form of physical or sexual violence, threats, psychological abuse, domestic abuse or financial control.”
On Oct. 17, 1981 the day was declared as a “Day of Unity” and purple was assigned the official color associated with Domestic Violence (DV) awareness. In 1987, the first DVAM was celebrated and Public Law 101-112 was passed in 1989, which officially recognizes October as DVAM.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is partnering with the Domestic Violence Awareness Project for this year’s DVAM theme, “With Survivors, Always.” This theme, according to the Domestic Violence Awareness Project, is a way for survivors of domestic violence to connect with others to be guided “toward safety, support, and solidarity,” while also continuing to advocate for awareness.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline posted four tips on their website to help others connect with and support survivors. These include educating oneself about the types of domestic abuse including physical, sexual, and financial, as well as what resources are available for survivors, such as domestic violence shelters.
The tips also suggest listening to survivors without judgement when they choose to tell about their story, regardless of how much detail they provide, and encouraging them to seek professional help. The last tip shared is to act effectively to raise awareness and support survivors; this can be done by educating oneself on domestic violence, or writing/calling your representatives to tell them the importance of funding domestic violence resources and push policy changes to support and protect survivors.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, “An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States– more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year,” and “nearly 1 in 3 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by a partner and reported it having a related impact on their functioning.”
As research shows, trauma has long-lasting impacts on victims. There can be numerous health issues, including chronic pain, cardiovascular problems, and reproductive issues. Victims of DV are often diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Survivors of DV may never fully recover, especially in severe cases. Other survivors blame themselves or do not seek treatment for a multitude of reasons including fear, dissociation, or simply not wanting to discuss their experience.
Anyone experiencing the dangers of DV can call (800) 799-7233, the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline number to receive help. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.