Domestic Violence Awareness Month: How We Can Support Survivors

Posted On Oct 24, 2024

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Every October, communities, organizations, and individuals in the United States come together to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and raise awareness about the devastating issue of domestic violence (DV). It’s a month dedicated to understanding the complex nature of abuse, educating the public, and supporting those affected by intimate partner violence.

DVAM first began as the Day of Unity in 1981with the intention to set a goal of raising awareness for victims and survivors and to connect advocates and organizations across the nation who were working to end domestic violence.

It grew into a full month in 1987 when the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) declared October as a time to honor survivors and spread awareness about domestic violence. That same year, the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline was established (1-800-799-SAFE). In 1989, Congress passed Public Law 101-112, designating the month as National Domestic Violence Month.

But, of course, simply assigning a specific month to the issue does not solve all the problems associated with DV. As the month serves as a critical reminder of the need for continued advocacy, resources, and action to end the cycle of violence, DVAM leads us to ask the question: What can we do to help survivors?

Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence

Over the years, public awareness and advocacy have led to significant advancements in policies and protections for victims. The Violence Against Women Act, first passed in 1994, is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at addressing domestic violence by providing funding for programs that support victims, increasing law enforcement response, and offering training for professionals working with survivors.

This legislation is seen as a major step in recognizing survivors and the challenges faced by so many and fits with a main goal of DVAM: amplifying the voices of survivors. Many individuals affected by abuse endure their struggles in silence, often feeling isolated, ashamed, or too afraid to speak out. By raising awareness, we can provide them with hope and support, making it clear that they are not alone, and that help is accessible.

Domestic violence is an issue that affects individuals across all socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations. However, women are disproportionately affected by DV, with statistics from NCADV revealing that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced severe intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking with related impacts.

Yet, according to Safe Alliance — an organization that provides resources for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault — the number of male victims of DV is likely underreported due to societal expectations and gender stereotypes. Since DV is often portrayed as a women’s issue, with men as the perpetrators, the stigma leads to a dangerous silence as many men survivors feel embarrassed to admit they’re being hurt by their partners.

What can we do to break this stigma and help the men and women facing domestic violence?

1. Raise awareness: Share educational content about domestic violence on social media, host informational events, or wear purple — the color associated with DVAM.

2. Support survivors: Volunteer your time or make donations to local shelters, hotlines, and support organizations that help survivors of domestic violence.

3. Learn the signs of DV: The abuse can take many forms, including psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.

4. Be a supportive friend or family member: If you suspect someone you know may be in an abusive relationship, approach the topic with care and compassion.

5. Advocate for policy change: Support legislation that protects victims of domestic violence, helps to prevent abuse and increases funding for domestic violence services.

Educating the Public About Domestic Violence

Another crucial aspect of DVAM is educating the public about the signs of domestic violence. Many people fail to recognize the subtle indicators of abuse until it’s too late. DVAM encourages open discussions about what constitutes a healthy relationship, how to spot potential warning signs of abuse, and what actions can be taken to intervene or offer support.

While supporting DV victims is vital, it is important to focus on stopping abuse before it begins. This involves addressing the root causes of violence, challenging harmful stereotypes, promoting healthy relationship models, and ensuring that young people understand the dynamics of power and control in relationships.

Through education about domestic violence in schools, workplaces, and communities, we can reduce the risk of future abuse. Encouraging the funding of local organizations dedicated to survivors is essential to providing resources and education about how to recognize abusive behavior, where to seek help, and how to support loved ones who may be experiencing violence.

According to domesticshelters.org, there are more than 75 organizations here in Ohio that offer resources, provide education, or provide domestic violence services at some level, including several in Northeast Ohio:

To find resources in your area, visit domesticshelters.org to search by zip code.

The Impact of Domestic Violence in Ohio

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network released its ninth annual fatality report on Oct.9. This report counted the number of domestic violence fatalities occurring between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.

In that year, Ohio suffered 114 domestic violence fatalities, including 15 children and teenagers. The number of deaths of adults and young people is two more than in the previous year’s count. Other findings include:

More than two-thirds of the fatality cases (70%) involved guns.
Of those who died, 65 women and 49 men, 39% were people of color.
At least 79 minor children in Ohio lost a parent to domestic violence and 51 lost a grandparent – meaning these children have often lost their closest caregivers.
72% of victims had been involved with the criminal or civil justice systems, including divorce or custody proceedings.
56% of the killers had prior contact with the criminal justice system.

Domestic violence is a prevalent crisis affecting communities across Ohio and around the world. Its impact extends beyond individual victims, reaching their children, families, and entire communities.

While Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an important time to highlight the impact of DV, education, empowerment, and advocacy must continue year-round. Everyone, whether personally affected or not, has a role in breaking the cycle of abuse. By raising awareness and supporting survivors, we can help create a safer, more compassionate future.

If you or someone you know is in need of resources, visit domesticshelters.org to find a local organization capable of providing help, or contact the national domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.

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