October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It’s a time for learning about the pervasive nature of abuse, understanding myths and facts about domestic violence, standing with survivors, and championing prevention. Here’s what to know and how you can make a difference in efforts to end domestic violence.
Important Facts About Domestic Violence You Probably Didn’t Know
Partner abuse extends beyond the physical, and it includes any form of intimate partner abuse or violence. It’s often marked by a pattern of controlling behaviors, including emotional, psychological, sexual, reproductive, financial, and online abuse, as well as social isolation and stalking. These insidious forms of malice frequently precede physical harm, subtly eroding a victim’s self-worth and every aspect of their autonomy. Here are some key facts and statistics about domestic violence everyone should know:
- • A significant portion of domestic violence incidents go unreported.
- • Almost 29% of women and about 25% of LGBTQ+ individuals will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
- • Women aged 18 to 34 are most at risk; Native women and Black women experience some of the highest rates of abuse.
- • Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women, surpassing car accidents, muggings, and other forms of assault combined.
- • Intimate partner abuse harms entire societies and economies, not just individuals. It seriously interferes with a survivor’s ability to obtain or hold down a job, be financially independent, and reach their full professional potential and spending power. Combined with the cost of holistic services, loss of life and livelihood, long-term outcomes for impacted children, and other hidden costs, the national cost of domestic abuse was estimated at over $12 billion per year as of 2023.
Contrary to common myths, numerous studies and evidence show that:
- • At its core, domestic abuse is not caused by anger management issues, or alcohol or drug use; abusers are solely responsible for their actions.
- • Abusers often meticulously plan their actions, escalating forms of manipulation and violence once they feel their partner is committed or financially dependent.
- • It’s not always easy for a victim to leave. Fear, financial dependence, isolation, and even lingering affection for the abuser can make departure incredibly difficult.
- • Children are invariably and deeply impacted, even when they are only witnesses. Without effective counseling and prevention methods, young boys exposed to domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their future partners.
Working Toward Prevention
The prevention of domestic violence demands a multifaceted approach from individuals and communities.
Any individual can:
- • Foster healthy relationship skills in children from an early age in various ways, including supporting social-emotional learning programs for youth and healthy relationship education for couples.
- • Challenge harmful stereotypes. Men in particular can model positive masculinity, demonstrating respect for women and combating forms of sexism and misogyny.
- • Be aware of controlling behaviors, extreme jealousy, or financial manipulation, which are common red flags.
- • Call the police or reach out to domestic violence hotlines if you suspect or witness domestic abuse.
- • Support prevention programs and survivor services by volunteering or donating to organizations working to end domestic violence. An excellent example is Connections for Abused Women and Their Children (CAWC), which is known for establishing the first-ever domestic violence hotline in the US.
Communities can:
- • Engage allies by involving influential community members, especially men and boys, in prevention efforts.
- • Disrupt the generational cycle of abuse by investing in early childhood programs, such as home visitation and parenting skill development, to strengthen families.
- • Work to create protective environments by improving school safety, enhancing workplace policies, and modifying neighborhood social environments.
- • Establish policies and services that help to improve household financial security and work-family policies in order to reduce stressors that can exacerbate violence.
- • Advocate for systemic change by supporting legislation that addresses the root causes of violence, such as poverty and harmful gender norms.
Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence
For those experiencing or recovering from domestic violence, support is paramount. Being an ally means offering compassionate, nonjudgmental understanding.
Ways You Can Support a Survivor
- • Listen and believe. If someone confides in you, listen without judgment, believe their experience, and ask how you can help, rather than offering unsolicited advice.
- • Validate their experience. Emphasize that the abuse is not their fault.
- • Help with safety planning. This might involve discussing escape routes, having a packed bag ready, or keeping your phone charged for emergency calls.
- • Provide resources. Know the number for local domestic violence shelters and national hotlines, such as The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or CAWC’s hotline at 773-278-4566.
- • Offer practical assistance. Help research shelters, set up a new bank account, or secure a confidential cell phone.
- • Maintain confidentiality. Respect their privacy and decisions, even if they differ from your expectations.
- • Check in regularly. Consistent outreach shows continued care and concern.
- • Document incidents. If you witness abuse, record dates, times, locations, and injuries; this can be invaluable for legal purposes.
How Communities Can Support Domestic Violence Survivors
- • Provide comprehensive services. Ensure access to victim-centered services such as shelters, counseling, legal aid, and housing programs.
- • Train first responders. Equip law enforcement and legal systems with sensitive, effective training to prioritize survivor safety and rights.
- • Raise awareness of resources. Publicize available support services within the community so survivors know where to turn.
- • upport domestic violence nonprofits. Promote and sponsor organizations that provide critical services to those seeking safety and healing.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, be mindful that the fight against domestic violence is ongoing, deeply personal, and profoundly societal. Our vigilance, advocacy, and empathy are not just acts of kindness; they are essential steps in building communities where safety, respect, and healing are not just aspirations but realities for everyone.
Support Survivors This DVAM With CAWC
At CAWC, we believe that everyone has a right to a life free from abuse and violence. Our mission to end domestic violence in all demographics is rooted in education, service, and advocacy. In addition to working toward broader social change, we provide empowerment-based and trauma-informed support in the form of shelter, counseling, and advocacy for individuals and their children affected by intimate partner violence.
If you or someone you know is actively experiencing the impacts of abuse or sexual violence, don’t hesitate to call our 24-hour hotline at 773-278-4566. For nonemergency support, reach out through our contact form today.
Want to help us protect more survivors and children? You can impact the life of a domestic violence survivor or a child who witnessed domestic violence by donating to CAWC today or by supporting our work in other ways.