For most people, October marks the beginning of Fall – also known as pumpkin spice season. For those of us who work with survivors of domestic violence, October marks the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This year DVAM is celebrating its 30th anniversary and continues to raise awareness and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues during the month of October.
Over the last 30 years, a lot of work has been done to help survivors escape and to remain away from abuse. Yet, there is still a lot more to be done. Domestic Violence still claims the lives of many. According to the American Psychology Association, on average, 3 or more women are murdered by their boyfriends or husbands.[1]
Although this statistic seems daunting, in 2016, DASH safely housed 126 adults and 231 children away from the threat of violence, prevented 390 survivors and their families from falling into homelessness, and educated 2,000 survivors and advocates about the housing protections afforded to victims under local and federal law. That is one less homicide, one less homeless family, one less victim but one more survivor.
By standing with survivors, together, as a community, we are creating a community where every home is a safe home.
[1] Intimate Partner Violence Facts & Resources. (2017). American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/topics/violence/partner.aspx?item=2
