October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Everyone deserves to live without abuse. Every year, we take time in October to think about the serious problem of domestic violence.
What is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) began in 1987 as a way to help break the silence that often comes with domestic abuse. Many people feel alone or afraid to ask for help, but this month reminds us that it’s important to help whenever possible.
Recognizing the Signs of Domestic Abuse
Domestic violence can sometimes be hard to notice. Victims often feel scared, confused, or ashamed. Reach out if you notice these signs of domestic violence:
- Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, or any kind of physical harm.
- Emotional Abuse: Calling someone names, making them feel worthless, or isolating them from friends and family.
- Financial Abuse: Controlling someone’s money, keeping them from working, or making them ask for money all the time.
- Controlling Behavior: Checking their phone, telling them what to wear, or not letting them leave the house.
- Threats: Threatening to hurt the person, their children, or their pets.
Who experiences domestic violence?
Domestic violence happens to people from all walks of life, but some groups are more likely to be victims.
Women
About 1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, usually from an intimate partner or former partner. Men can also be victims, but the rate is slightly lower, with about 1 in 4 men reporting similar experiences(
People with Disabilities
People with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), face a higher risk of domestic violence. Abusers may take advantage of their disability to control them, such as by withholding care, medication, or assistive devices. Women with disabilities are especially vulnerable and more likely to experience multiple forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
Minority Groups
People from marginalized communities, such as people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and immigrants, also face higher risks. They often find it harder to access support services, making it harder to get help.
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Families and Communities
Domestic violence affects more than just the person being abused—it can hurt entire families and communities:
Families
Domestic violence causes pain and stress that can last even after the abuse has stopped.
- Blaming each other for the abuse
- Emotional stress
- Health problems from the violence and the stress of abuse and recovery
- Money problems from lost work, moving costs or other expenses related to domestic violence
- Stress and distrust within the family
Communities
Domestic violence has many impacts on communities, including:
- Hyper Awareness of violence
- Fear and distrust of community members
- Strain on services and funding
- Cycle of violence as victims normalize abuse
How to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence
By helping domestic violence victims, we can create safer homes and stronger communities. If someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it can be hard to know how to help. Here are a few things you can do:
Listen
Sometimes, people just need someone to hear them. Let them talk about what they’re going through without judgment.
Believe them
If someone tells you they’re being abused, believe them. It can be very hard to admit that this is happening.
Offer support
Ask how you can best help them. They might need someone to talk to, a safe place to stay, or financial support.
Encourage them to seek help
Domestic abuse victims often feel helpless and may not realize there are organizations and resources available to support them, such as”
- Shelters
- Hotlines
- Counselors
- Legal Help
- Financial Assistance
If you are experiencing Domestic Violence or know someone who is…there is help!
Resources for Domestic Violence Victims
National Resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Website: thehotline.org
Available 24/7, this hotline offers free, confidential help in English and Spanish for people facing domestic violence, including crisis intervention, safety planning, and resources for survivors
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
- Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Website: rainn.org
RAINN provides support for survivors of sexual violence through hotlines, live chat services, and links to local service providers across the U.S.
- Love Is Respect
- Phone: 1-866-331-9474
- Website: loveisrespect.org
Offers help for young people experiencing dating violence or domestic abuse, including texting and live chat support.