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Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. It is a time for survivors of abuse, loved ones, advocates, and community to commemorate victims of abuse who have passed, acknowledge progress in addressing the epidemic, and create awareness for resources and allies. The first “Day of Unity” observed in October 1987 evolved into National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. President Clinton later signed the historic Violence Against Women Act in 1994.

Domestic Violence

The U.S. Office on Violence Against Women Domestic Violence defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over their partner. Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender identity, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. This violence can include emotional, economic, physical, psychological, sexual, and technological abuse. This includes any other coercive behaviors, actions, or threats made by someone with the intention of controlling, isolating, intimidating, and/or wounding their partner.

Quick stats

According to the CDC, intimate partner violence is very common. At least 1 in 4 women and about 1 in 10 men have experienced sexual or physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. More than 15 million children in the U.S. grow up in homes where domestic and intimate partner violence has occurred one or more times. In fact, of those who have experienced domestic and intimate partner violence, about 20% of women and 14% of men first experience happened between the ages of 11 and 17 years old. Nearly a quarter of the intimate partner violence cases filed in court were witnessed by children in the home. In Indiana, nearly 43% of women and 28% of men have experienced intimate partner violence or stalking at least once during their lifetime. More than half of all women murdered in the U.S. are killed by a current or former male partner. Survivors of domestic violence experience many barriers that affect their ability to break the cycle of violence and abuse. These barriers and domestic violence surged during and were further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Call to action

Domestic violence is a public health problem which affects survivors and their family members, friends, community, and co-workers in many ways. Here are some helpful measures you can take:

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