October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is designed to be a time of raising awareness of domestic violence throughout the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities. It is also a time to remember those who have died because of domestic violence and to recommit to efforts to end violence within homes and communities.
In his proclamation for this year’s observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, President Obama notes, “During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize the significant achievements we have made in reducing domestic violence in America, and we recommit ourselves to the important work still before us. Despite tremendous progress, an average of three women in America die as a result of domestic violence each day. One in four women and one in thirteen men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. These statistics are even more sobering when we consider that domestic violence often goes unreported.”
Domestic violence refers to a violent confrontation between family or household members involving physical harm, sexual assault, and/or fear of physical harm. Family or household members include spouses, former spouses, those in (or formerly in) a dating relationship, adults related by blood or marriage, and those who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship.
Domestic violence may include acts of violence intimidation, threats, psychological abuse, and/or isolation to coerce and to control the other person. Violence itself may not happen often, but it may remain a hidden and constant terrorizing factor. Domestic violence may also include psychological violence, such as intense and repetitive degradation, creating isolation, and controlling the actions or behaviors of the spouse or other individual through intimidation or manipulation to the detriment of that individual.
Although a look at statistics indicates that domestic violence is a major problem, we don’t really know how common it is because people often do not report it. Domestic violence occurs among women and men of all ages and all levels of income and education. Many times victims of violence suffer in silence because they do not know where to turn, where to find guidance and support.
Presidential Proclamation:
Presidential Proclamation: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Background information and resources:
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Network to End Domestic Violence
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Awareness Project
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Maine Coalition To End Domestic Violence
Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
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