Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence is defined by mental or physical abuse between two people living together or between two individuals who share a social or personal relationship. Both men and women of different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds and regardless of age, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, education and occupation, are affected by it. However, according to the National Domestic Violence hotline, most of its victims are women- citing that 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic violence at one point in their lives.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Back in October of 1995, The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence joined forces with The National Domestic Violence Hotline, The Family Violence Prevention Fund, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Coalition to End Domestic Violence, and The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence to nationally recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
During this time these organizations spend their resources educating the public by raising awareness. They take this opportunity to travel the nation and inform people on this issue of violence, and they also fund raise in order to help them continue their much needed efforts.
The most important aspect of Domestic Violence Awareness Month is that the campaign aims to allocate resources and expert help to those who fall victim to violent or psychological attacks at the hands of a loved one.
Are you or a loved a victim to Domestic Violence?
In these cases, it’s extremely important to seek help from family and friends; you should also contact a one of the local advocacy groups mentioned above for support, information, and advice on how to stay safe. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) for the nearest program. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in English, Spanish, and other languages. You can also reach the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website at www.ncadv.org/resources/StateCoalitionList.php to find shelter and support nearest you.