Domestic violence takes place in our nation every minute of every day, occurring just about every 15 seconds. Most Americans don’t realize just how real domestic violence is and how many lives are affected by it.
Most of these cases are left behind closed doors. That’s why the Domestic Violence Awareness Month was introduced: to not only educate and raise awareness, but to bring the support and strength that domestic violence victims need.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence awareness month was first introduced back in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic violence. It was created not only to bring more awareness to others but to connect and unify the millions of affected victims that had been battered due to domestic violence.
Every year 10 million people become victims of domestic violence, which is about 20 people every minute. Those are some pretty big and startling numbers. DV affects not only women, but men and children, of all different races, status, religions, and culture. No one is immune to it.
Domestic violence shows itself in a number of different forms, whether it’s punching, slapping, choking, or threatening, manipulating, yelling and many others. No matter the situation, domestic violence is never OK.
Violence Against Women Act
Huge strides have already taken place ever since 1994 when the Violence Against Women Act was put in place.
So many programs, services, and shelters have been made available to domestic violence victims, thanks to the issues that had been addressed to our legislation.
Just between the years of 1993 and 2010, the overall domestic violence rate had dropped dramatically by nearly two-thirds, and that’s not all.
State legislation and laws have been reformed to tackle certain issues such as dating abuse in the workplace, employment discrimination, stalking and more.
When is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
Ever since 1987, October has been the month where domestic violence and its victims are observed. Domestic violence is usually done in secret, but let’s shout it from the rooftops!
For the whole month of October, we are capable of making a change by informing others and providing our resources to go towards services that help domestic violence victims.
Become an Advocate
Another alarming statistic for us to look at is that as many as 3 out of 4 Americans know of another person that has, or is being abused by another individual, but a lot of times nothing is done about it. Action needs to take place, where an advocate is willing to speak up when others can not.
If you know of someone that is being abused, are you willing to be their voice? It’s time that we stand up to domestic violence and tell it enough is enough.
Especially during the month of October, make sure that you support domestic violence survivors and help to get the word out about the destructive threat that domestic violence has on so many homes all across America.
Domestic violence is never OK, no matter the circumstances. If you or someone you know is in desperate need of help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.
