October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), and its focus is educating the community about healthy and unhealthy relationships and 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). Through awareness, DVAM seeks to educate about how to end both the cycle of violence and the impact of abuse.
A recent study at the University of California-Davis found that while lockdowns during the pandemic may have mitigated the impact of the deadly virus, there was a worldwide increase in exposure to stress and incidents of domestic violence. According to the Center for Advocacy and Justice, the rate of abuse increased dramatically by 50% or more for those marginalized by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, and cognitive/physical ability.
If 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 in a judgment-free manner is critical. Asking the person what you can do for them and checking frequently are supportive actions. 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