Each autumn brings with it an important reminder: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This month provides an opportunity to reflect on a critical human rights issue that affects individuals and entire communities. By shining a light on the drivers of intimate partner violence and supporting local nonprofits, we can foster hope and healing for those impacted. This October, Giving Tuesday, and holiday season, here are some ways of giving back to your community and contributing to efforts aimed at addressing partner abuse.
Understanding Domestic Violence Awareness Month DVAM was established to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of domestic violence. Here are some key facts to consider:
Awareness is the first step towards prevention. By educating ourselves and others about partner abuse, we can work together to create safer communities for everyone. Ways You Can Do Your Part During Domestic Violence Awareness Month There are numerous ways to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
As we approach Giving Tuesday and winter celebrations, your holiday giving can have a profound impact on survivors of domestic violence. Here’s why you should consider donating to domestic violence nonprofits:
Supporting domestic violence nonprofits can take many forms, and your contributions are vital to helping survivors rebuild their lives. Here are just a few effective ways to offer financial and resource support:
As we honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s also commit to giving hope and healing this Giving Tuesday and holiday season. By supporting domestic violence nonprofits, you can make a dramatic difference in the lives of survivors and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community. Every action, no matter how small, can foster hope for those who need it most. Together, we can help break the cycle of violence and support survivors on their journey to healing. Give the Gift of Healing With Project Woman Project Woman is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by providing resources to protect, educate, and empower. We offer a wide range of programs and services to support those affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, dating violence, and/or stalking. Our first line of defense for survivors experiencing emergencies is our crisis center. This center provides a safe home for those fleeing domestic and intimate partner violence, sexual assault, rape, or human trafficking. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, don’t wait. Call our 24-Hour Crisis Line at 1-800-634-9893. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the programs and services available, please contact us. Project Woman offers many ways to help survivors. Financial contributions help provide safety, shelter, and trauma-informed services. Donations of items on our wish list or posted on our Facebook page provide survivors with necessities and comfort. We also regularly post volunteer opportunities on our site. All gifts of money, items, and time — no matter how large or small — make a profound difference in people’s lives! Thank you for caring.
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Every October, we gather for our annual Candlelight Vigil to Shine a Light on Domestic Violence, bringing attention to the pervasive issues that intersect with family and gender-based violence. This violence is a core factor in many social risks and concerns, weaving through our communities like a massive spider web. It’s pervasive, difficult to grasp, and for too long, has remained unspoken. But we cannot afford to be silent any longer.
We must face the uncomfortable truth: domestic violence exists, and it thrives in the shadows of denial. As a public health issue, it affects our entire community, yet we remain reluctant to talk about it. According to the CDC, domestic violence has been a public health concern for over a decade. Yet, too often, victims are left to bear the burden of “escaping” on their own, with the simplistic suggestion to "just run away and start over." But isn’t that just another form of victim-blaming? We must ask ourselves: why are we placing the responsibility solely on the victim? The Reality of Domestic Violence Each year, over 10 million people in the U.S. are impacted by domestic violence, with more than 4 million children witnessing these acts. And that’s just the reported cases — data suggests that only 30% of incidents are ever brought to light. The numbers are staggering, and the solution is far from simple. Consider this: Project Woman has provided over 9,125 bed stays annually for victims fleeing violence. Over the course of 50 years, that’s nearly half a million stays — a clear indicator of the long-lasting, overwhelming need for support. A Call to Speak Up and Stand Together Domestic violence is not an isolated problem affecting only certain groups. It impacts 25% of every demographic — every race, class, gender, and background. It’s not “someone else’s issue”; it’s our issue. We need to talk about domestic violence — openly, truthfully, and candidly. Only by working together as a community can we begin to unravel the web of violence and offer real solutions. The Power of CommUnity What is community? It’s not just people living in the same area; it’s people united by common goals, interests, and a shared commitment to one another. We could separate ourselves by race, gender, or background, but that only weakens us. Domestic violence affects every part of our society, and it’s only through unity that we can confront it. At the heart of the word "community" is C-O-M-M: commitment, communication, and commonality. These are the foundational elements of a strong, unified community. And then there’s the “U” — which stands for Unity. This is why I like to spell CommUnity with a capital “U” — to emphasize the importance of coming together. Project Woman Needs Our CommUnity Project Woman cannot do this work alone. We need YOU — our CommUnity — to help make a difference. We rely on your support, your friendship, and your shared goals to continue standing up for survivors. Imagine, for a moment, that the violence happened to you. What would you need? Not judgment or blame, but a helping hand, a listening ear, and unwavering support. Together, we can be that support for those who need it most. We Are Making a Difference The good news is, we are making a difference — one day, one action, one conversation at a time. We are letting survivors know they are not alone. We are building awareness, educating one another, and fostering a CommUnity full of HOPE. Tonight, and every day, we gather to build each other up, to stand against the web of violence, and to stand with survivors. Together, we offer hope, strength, and opportunities for a future free from violence. Let’s continue this work — as a CommUnity — and stand united for a world where everyone is safe, respected, and supported. |