October is a wonderful month full of beautiful changes in the seasons, but it is also a month to recognize two very important issues that our society is dealing with: bullying and domestic violence. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month, as well as National Bullying Prevention month. This article will deal with the domestic violence aspect, and I will also be publishing an article on bullying as well.
Many women deal with living in a domestic violence situation. Chances are you know someone who is, although you may not be aware of it. She could be a co-worker, someone from church, a mother of a friend of your child or one of your own friends or family members. Most women in such situations don’t talk about what goes on behind closed doors in their household, for a variety of different reasons.
Domestic violence does not only pertain to cases where there is actual physical assault. The abuse can be emotional and psychological, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse and the interference with one’s personal liberties. Thankfully, since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act in September of 1994, there has been an increased awareness and understanding of domestic violence in society.
Over the past 17 years,changes have been made that have in turn benefited hundreds of thousand of victims. Through the help of Congress, emergency rooms, crisis centers, law enforcement, prosecutors, courts and the community, more people are aware of this problem, and it is easier for victims to receive the help they so desperately need and deserve.
So during this month of October and after, please think of any way you can to help prevent and help put an end to domestic violence. Support local charities that benefit victims and their children, volunteer at a domestic violence shelter and make a donation to the cause -anything that can help.
Prevention and intervention are essential, as children who come from a home where domestic violence has occurred may either grow up to be victims or abusers themselves. This pattern tends to be repeated. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and needs assistance, consider seeking out a local hotline or call 1-800-799-SAFE.
Please see http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/10/05/october-national-domestic-violence-awareness-month for more information.