October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and it focuses on educating the community about healthy and unhealthy relationships as well as supporting survivors of abuse. One in four women and one in seven men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime (allagainstabuse.org).
If you suspect or witness someone you know or suspect someone in your life is a victim of domestic violence, you can help that person stay safe. Listening and expressing your concerns and observations judgement free is critical. Asking the person what you can do for them and checking frequently are supportive actions. Perhaps helping the person create a plan that will keep them safe when abuse occurs and connecting them with local resources will bring them one step closer to safety.
For more information: Text OCTOBER to 71777 for updates and resources (throughout October)
Web resources: www.allagainstabuse.org
Looking for help: 321-800-3323 24-hour hotline