Written by: Taylor Duff | Lifestyle Editor
Content Warning: This article discusses violence, abuse, and sexual assault.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month — DVAM — which was established in 1987 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. It is meant to raise awareness of domestic violence, assist survivors and push services and policies to prevent abuse. Educational activities, campaigns, ceremonies, fundraisers and collaborations between charities, local governments and communities are held throughout the month. Domestic violence became more widely recognized in the United States throughout the 1970s and 1980s, thanks to the feminist movement and the establishment of shelters for battered women. Domestic violence — DV — also known as intimate partner violence, is a pattern of violent behavior used by one person to gain or maintain control and authority over another in a relationship. It can happen to anybody regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. Teen dating violence refers to intimate partner violence that occurs throughout adolescence.
Approximately 16 million women and 11 million men who reported intimate relationship abuse said it started before the age of 18. 1 in 10 men in the United States has suffered contact sexual abuse, physical abuse or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lives, and have reported some type of domestic violence-related harm. People from marginalized groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, are more likely to experience DV.
Some stats that shine a light on how common DV is are:
– In the United States, 1 in every 3 women and 1 in every 4 men may experience physical abuse, sexual assault or stalking from a romantic partner at some point in their lives.
– 1 in every 5 women and 1 in every 71 men have been raped at least once in their lives, most commonly by an intimate partner.
– In the United States, around 20 people are physically assaulted by their intimate partners every minute, resulting in over 10 million victims yearly.
– Every year, 1 in every 15 children are subjected to domestic abuse, with 90% of them witnessing it firsthand.
Further, DV is a contributing factor to homicide in America:
- 1 in every 5 homicide victims in the United States is murdered by an intimate partner.
- More than half of female killings are perpetrated by a current or previous intimate partner, and this percentage increases if they are pregnant.
As domestic violence is so prevalent, raising awareness is the most important thing individuals can do. Domestic violence can take many forms. Physical violence includes acts that inflict bodily harm such as punching, slapping or choking. Harassment, threats, humiliation and ongoing criticism are examples of emotional or psychological abuse. Sexual abuse is defined as pushing or coercing someone into unwanted sexual activity. Financial abuse refers to manipulating someone’s finances to limit their freedom. Digital abuse is defined as utilizing technology to stalk, harass or take over a relationship.
Individuals who are in abusive relationships often tend to stay within the relationship due to fear of what might happen if they leave, such as further abuse, isolation from resources such as family or friends, financial dependence they have on the abuser, uncertainties regarding child custody if they have kids and the abuser’s methods of manipulation used to control them, making leaving appear extremely difficult or even dangerous. It is believed that domestic abuse victims miss over 8 million days of paid work annually, costing the US economy more than $8 billion in missed income, medical care and legal costs. Worse, only 34% of those harmed by intimate partners obtain medical attention for their injuries.
Domestic violence is a nationwide issue that was only identified as a societal concern less than 40 years ago. Since Domestic Violence Awareness Month was founded, several activities and organizations have raised awareness among the public. The purple ribbon is DVAM’s official symbol, reflecting victims’ strength, survival and hope. Developing healthy, respectful and nonviolent relationships and communities can assist in minimizing the prevalence of violence against partners. It can also mitigate the negative and long-term consequences of domestic violence on people, families and communities.
Many events, such as community walks or runs, are organized to raise awareness and finances for shelters and services. Social media initiatives allow for the sharing of information and encourage discussion. Workplace awareness programs train employees on how to spot abuse and assist the victims. Many candlelight vigils promote hope for change as survivors of DV gather to mourn the memory of those who were lost as a result of domestic violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month continues to be an essential resource for survivors and raising awareness about the ongoing issue of domestic abuse. The objective is to inspire individuals, communities and elected leaders to act together to create a society free of fear and abuse.
There are many programs and resources available for individuals who are seeking help.
If you or someone you may know is suffering from domestic violence please contact
Center For Hope And Safety Hotline: 503.399.7722 | 866.399.7722 (toll free) Website: www.hopeandsafety.org
Polk County Victim Assistance Phone #: 503.623.9268 ext.3
Sable House Crisis Hotline: 503.623.4033 Website: www.sablehouse.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.7233 or Text BEGIN to 88788
Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu
