Domestic Violence Awareness Month
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month which first began in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country.
Nearly 1 in 4 Women, and 1 in 10 Men will be victims of intimate partner violence in their lifetime, according to the CDC.
Women between the ages of 18-24 are most commonly abused by an intimate partner.
The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%
There has been a significant increase of domestic violence during this pandemic worldwide.
Recognize the Signs of Relationship Abuse: Here are some Common signs of abusive behavior in a partner include:
Telling you that you never do anything right.
Showing extreme jealousy of your friends time spent away from them.
Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members, or peers.
Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
Destroying your belongings or your home.
Any form of physical harm.
Explosive outbursts, temper or mood swings.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
For anonymous, confidential help, 24/7; please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 800-799-SAFE (7233). www.thehotline.org
The violence against women and children is a serious public health concern and I hope that you will share this with others and create awareness to this crisis. This is very important to me.
Remember that you are not alone.
Thank you.
Other Resources:
World Health Organization: Violence Against Women During Covid 19 Questions and Answers