National Crime Prevention Month
In addition to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October is also Crime Prevention Month, a time to recommit to ending violence within our homes, our communities and our country. One of the most important components of crime prevention is you, and your willingness to raise awareness about important issues. One crime that affects millions of Americans…
LGBT Intimate Partner Violence
According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) intimate partner violence occurs in as many as one-in-three relationships regardless of the sexual orientation of the partners. While aspects of domestic violence in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) communities are similar to those experienced by heterosexual victims, the NCAVP explains that there are…
Warning Signs of Abuse
If you take a look at the women around you, one in every four of them will experience some sort of domestic violence in her lifetime. However, many people do not realize they are being abused. Domestic violence can take on many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic/financial abuse. Just because you are not…
Safety Planning
Safety planning for someone involved in an abusive relationship is a necessary and important step. Often, writing out your plan helps you regain security and control of your life. Your safety plan should be used as a guide and a reminder of ways you and your family can increase your safety. If you are planning…
Violent Phrases Commonly Used
Kill. Hit. Bang. Fight. Beat. Shoot. Do you ever use these words? Most people do, without even realizing what they are actually saying. We frequently use these verbs in our everyday conversations to illustrate our behaviors. Although domestic violence is often a hidden issue, violence is everywhere; seen on TV shows, heard in songs played…
Why Don’t They Just Leave?
Domestic violence occurs when one person in an intimate relationship tries to dominate and control the other person either physically, sexually, emotionally and/or economically. People who have never experienced abuse may wonder why a victim chooses to stay in the relationship. Many different factors can hinder a victim from leaving the abuser Fear – Your…
Myths and Facts about Domestic Violence
People who have not been in an abusive relationship do not always understand what domestic violence is. It is a complex issue. Below are common myths: Myth #1: Domestic violence is rare. FACT: According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, one in four women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime. This means an estimated…
Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Playgrounds, sports, crafts, and pool days are all great childhood memories; however, for an estimated 3 million children, their childhood isn’t so idyllic because they are victims of or witnesses to domestic violence. Even if they are not abused, they are still greatly affected. Many children are reluctantly dragged into this destructive lifestyle because they…
Effects of Domestic Violence on the Workplace
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence stated that a recent survey found 44 percent of respondents had personally experienced domestic violence’s impact on the workplace, most frequently because a co-worker was a victim. In fact, it is estimated that the cost of lost productivity due to domestic violence equals $727.8 million annually. Though you may…
How Men Can Help End Domestic Violence
One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and every nine to 12 seconds a woman is battered. Domestic violence has become the leading cause of injury to American women. There is no wonder domestic violence is considered a women’s issue, but that does not mean men should refrain from helping…