October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The month is meant to provide a voice for those suffering from domestic violence, as well as raise awareness of the devastating issues that arise in its wake. Domestic violence has caused severe, lifelong, emotional and physical harm to millions of people across the nation. Correcting and preventing this harm requires the work and advocacy of everyone, including individuals, groups, and institutions. Only through this collective power can we transform our communities into healthy places where domestic violence will not continue to haunt our residents.
Though an individual can’t often impose the kind of structural change organizations and systems are capable of, there are still vitally important steps that you can take to protect vulnerable individuals in your community. This month is a good time to learn more about how prevalent domestic violence and abuse really is in our communities, as well as how we can learn to be vigilant regarding domestic abuse, share resources to help those suffering, and support those who have survived. Use this month to learn what you can from those who have survived domestic violence and abuse, and discover how you can help support them.
About Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In recent years, many steps have been taken to protect victims of domestic abuse, both through legislation as well as supportive and informative programs. However, the fight for awareness and prevention of domestic violence is far from over. 1993 and 1994, the Violence Against Women Act was passed, and through this has made great strides, there is still much work to be done to protect men, women, and children from domestic violence and abuse.
It’s important to deepen your understanding of what you can do to help, not only during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but year-round. Learn to spot the signs of domestic violence and abuse in friends, coworkers, family, and strangers, and find out how you can make a difference in their lives. Spread the word about the organizations and foundations in your community who give support and aid to victims of domestic violence and see what time or resources you can donate to help their cause.
About Domestic Violence
Domestic violence occurs in many forms, not just physical violence. It can also be psychological, sexual, or emotional abuse, all for the purpose of intimidating or controlling the victim—an intimate partner, family member, or housemate. Domestic violence impacts men, women, and children alike, and it’s important to demonstrate to those suffering that there is help and care available.
Unfortunately, additional challenges to the campaign against domestic violence have arisen due to the global pandemic. Because of social distancing, lockdowns, and diminished resources, it has been more difficult for people to escape their abusers and locate helpful services. Thankfully, help has continued during these difficult times, and now that restrictions have eased, more people suffering from domestic violence are receiving the help and support they need.
How To Stop Domestic Violence
There is still much work to be done to protect victims of domestic violence, and this month is a good time to strengthen your understanding of the issues, and learn what you can do to provide aid and support. While structural changes will take work and dedication from individuals, organizations, and systems alike, there are still things you can do now to help victims of domestic violence.
It’s important to make sure victims of domestic violence know that they are not alone, and that other people in their community want to help and support them. If you know or suspect someone may be suffering, reach out. Don’t be worried about saying the wrong thing, and don’t let not being an expert stop you. Discreetly let the person know you are there for them, and that someone is looking out for them.
Here are a handful of specific ways you can support and reach out to victims of domestic violence.
Learn To Spot the Signs of Abuse
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience some form of domestic violence or stalking from an intimate partner. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical violence from a partner. Unfortunately, few people tell their friends and family when they’re dealing with domestic abuse. By learning to spot signs of domestic violence or other forms of domestic abuse, you can better position yourself to reach out to friends and family members when they are unable to reach out themselves.
Understanding the signs of a verbally or emotionally abusive relationship, as well as the signs of physical abuse, is vital. Both are types of domestic abuse and that can severely harm a person mentally, emotionally and physically.
Signs of domestic violence may include:
- Physical marks, including:
- Black eyes
- Split lips
- Bruised arms and wrists
- Bruised or reddened neck
- Unusual clothing to hide physical marks, like long sleeves and pants in the summer or sunglasses indoors
- Heavy makeup to hide physical marks
- Anxiety or fear
- Depression
- Newly developing substance use issues
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Diminished self-esteem
- Change in sleeping or eating habits
- Personality changes, including acting withdrawn or meek
- Suicidal ideation or attempts
March or Walk To Raise Awareness
Throughout the month of October, many cities across the country host marches, walks, and rallies to raise awareness about domestic violence. By finding local events near you, you can get involved and support raising awareness. Often, marches or walks don’t stop at raising awareness, but also raise money via registration and fundraising. These funds often go to programs and organizations that provide practical and emotional support for victims of domestic violence.
Donate Goods to Foundations
These same programs and organizations can use support in the form of donated goods. When survivors of domestic violence manage to leave their abuser, they aren’t often able to take many personal possessions with them. This can result in a situation where the survivors—and often their children—have no clothes, food, or other essential items. Donations to individuals or organizations in the form of cash, clothes, household goods, appliances, or toys can help these survivors get back on their feet. Find organizations and services in your area and see what they might need to provide support to victims.
Provide Support and Comfort
If someone experiencing domestic abuse comes to you for help, don’t feel like you need to have all the answers or be an expert in how to help. Instead, listen and support them, and be a source of comfort. Realizing you have support as a victim of domestic violence can lead to feelings of extreme relief. Dealing with domestic violence and abuse is an incredibly isolating and frightening experience, and many people have a hard time asking for help. Whether you know the person well or not, the knowledge that someone wants to reach out to help them can make asking for help much easier.
Sport Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness
Wearing purple at work or social events this month can indicate to others that you are a person they can turn to. Similarly, changing your outdoor lights to purple can be a sign of support and solidarity for victims of domestic violence. Better yet, it can help raise awareness.
Encourage Victims to Petition for a Protective Order
It is crucial for those experiencing domestic violence to be aware of the various legal resources in Arizona. Victims should understand their rights and the legal resources at hand to support and protect them. Ensuring that victims know they can file for an order of protection, also known as a restraining order, can help encourage them to leave their situation and reassure them that they will remain physically safe from their abuser. The prospect of legal protection can also make them feel more emotionally safe.
An Arizona family law attorney who specializes in domestic violence can help someone file an emergency protective order and ensure they are kept safe until a permanent protective order can be reviewed by the court. This can offer a victim protection under the law and provide them with security to begin to heal and move forward with their life.
Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence
Simply helping victims find their way to organizations that can assist them is an important action you can take during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and always. Here in Arizona, there are domestic violence shelters, crisis centers, legal support, support groups, and 24/7 hotlines. Because of the strides made to increase the availability of resources and promote awareness among those who can help, domestic violence rates are falling. Perhaps even more importantly, state laws have reinforced these efforts by cracking down on domestic violence offenders.
Serving as part of this crucial support system for someone experiencing domestic abuse is just as important. In this role, you can help provide critical knowledge and suggest resources people need to escape an abusive situation. You can also be a resource yourself by keeping open conversations with friends and family and ensuring that they know you are a safe person providing discussion and support. The consequences of domestic violence on men, women, and children are serious, and everyone must do their part to protect victims, provide them support, and ensure abusers see consequences for their actions.
End Domestic Violence
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, please reach out. If you’re a safe person who believes someone else is experiencing abuse, reach out to offer a listening ear and suggest help. If you’re a survivor, reach out to a loved one or a professional to request help.
There are many safe, discreet services and resources available for victims, and many people who want to assist.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) as well as through text or live chat.
- The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline is also avaible to text or call.
- You can also consult with a domestic violence attorney to learn more about the legal steps you can take to ensure your safety.
Whether you are experiencing abuse or know someone who is, take action during this October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The list of organizations you can contact in Arizona continues to grow, each is doing their part to end domestic violence. Together, we can assist those suffering from domestic violence as well as those who have survived and need continued support. Please join us today.
Jonathan Roeder, Founder/Director of Marketing of The Valley Law Group, is an Arizona native who has dedicated his life and career to the service of others. After graduating salutatorian of his high school class, Jonathan attended beautiful and prestigious Pepperdine University, where he majored in Political Science. During his tenure at Pepperdine University, his passion for helping others grew after securing a clinical position with a residential treatment center for juveniles with substance addictions. Post-graduation, Jonathan returned to Arizona and served as a residential manager for mentally and physically disabled homes.