Domestic violence awareness month brings attention to domestic violence and how it affects nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men. Read on to find out how you can help someone who may be a victim of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October has a couple of significant meanings. Some notable ones you may know are Breast cancer awareness and Halloween. However, October is also known for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It’s a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and uplifting those who have survived it. This year’s initiative is Heal, Hold & Center. But before we get into that, let’s talk about the need for awareness.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Many people may think that domestic violence is only when the other person gets physical. But it’s so much more than that. Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence, includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. It is part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. And it affects nearly 12 million people each year. Domestic violence can cause the victim to receive physical injuries, psychological trauma, and even death. It’s important to know the signs of abuse. Some may include isolation from friends or family, using insulting, demeaning, or shameful words, controlling finances without discussions, pressuring drug use, and intimidation.
THIS YEAR’S INITIATIVE/HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Now that we know about domestic violence, it’s time for solidarity and support. This year, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project is expanding on their #HealHoldCenter campaign. The purpose is to embrace cultural ways to heal from violence and oppression, commit to holding space for survivors, and center those most affected in efforts to end domestic violence. You may not want to think about it, but there is someone who is close to you who has experienced or is going through domestic violence. On average, 24 people per minute are victims of domestic violence, which equates to more than 12 million women and men in one year. Statistics show that in Florida, 97% of victims are experiencing emotional/verbal abuse, 67% are experiencing physical abuse, 32% are experiencing economic/financial abuse, 19% are experiencing digital abuse, and 12% are experiencing sexual abuse. With so many people experiencing abuse from their partners, there are ways you can help.
-
Lend your ear without passing judgement. Help to create a safe environment where they can feel valued and heard. Ask open-ended questions and be present when they are ready to open up.
-
Validate their feelings. It’s common for victims to experience shame, confusion, and fear. Most times, they just need to know someone is there for them. Use phrases such as “It’s okay to feel this way” or “what you’re feeling is completely understandable.”
-
Respect their boundaries. Trauma is different for every person, and everyone may not be ready to talk about it. Give them time to open up when the time is right for them.
Other ways you can help involves letting the victim know you’re concerned and offer help that relates to their needs.
It’s important for them to know that they are not alone and that there are several resources available to them. If you know someone locally who is in need of help, they can contact the Hubbard House’s 24-hour hotline at 904-354-3114 or the 24-hour textline at 904-210-3698. These lines are free and confidential. There’s also the National Domestic Violence Hotline where you can call, text, or chat with a live agent.
By: Texsena Scott