October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Violence against partners, particularly women, has been accepted throughout modern history. Although conditions gradually improved since the 1700’s, it wasn’t until the 1960’s that shelters for battered women were opened, and men could be prosecuted for their actions. In the 1980’s a movement began to form. First came a day of Unity, then a week of Unity, a national hotline, and in 1989, Congress passed legislation making October officially National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month is used to connect battered women advocates across the nation to end violence against woman and their children, as well as men who are victims.

Domestic abuse is more than physical violence; it can be emotional as well. Domestic abuse occurs when one person in an intimate relationship tries to dominate and control the other person. Domestic violence knows no boundaries. It happens across cultures, classes, and income groups. The statistics are frightening, as 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. Every day 3 women are killed by intimate violence in the U.S. alone. Women experience more than 4 million physical assaults because of their partners, and men are victims of nearly 3 million physical assaults. Children who are raised in a household with domestic violence are more vulnerable to becoming abused or abusers themselves.

Being at home is terrible, but leaving the house means at some point you need to come home. The return home means accusations and yelling-or worse. The criticism you find at home is a form of control, and it will never get better. There is nothing you can do to make your partner happy. Who do you turn to?

Help is out there. Leaving a bad situation can be terrifying, but it’s better than staying. You can reclaim your life. You deserve your job. You deserve your car. You deserve to live your life without fear. Step out the door and never look back. It is a decision you will never regret.  

Here are just some of the signs of domestic violence.

• Fear of your partner- like you have to walk on eggshells
• Constantly watching what you say and do to avoid a blow-up
• Being belittled or controlled
• Inconsistent attendance at work or school
• Feelings of self-loathing, helplessness, and desperation
• Sudden change in behavior or appearance
• Your partner has a bad and/or an unpredictable temper
• Your partner threatens to commit suicide if you leave

If you or someone you love is experiencing the signs of domestic abuse, help is available at the Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center: 216-391-HELP(4357).