October was declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month by Congress in 1989. Domestic violence impacts every community and all people, no matter what race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in four women and nearly one in ten men have experienced domestic violence during their lifetime. Data from U.S. crime reports show that about one in five murder victims is killed by a former or current intimate partner.
Domestic violence can cause negative health issues that affect the physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive systems, which can also result in a higher risk of engaging in behaviors like binge drinking, smoking, and sexual risk behaviors. Additionally, the lifetime costs of medical treatment for domestic-violence-related injuries, lost work productivity, criminal justice, and other services add up to $3.6 trillion.
This month, we all have a role in bringing awareness to how domestic violence is a major public health problem and provide support to survivors and victims. Together, we can do our best to end domestic violence.
Here are several ways you can be an advocate this Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
Wear purple – Purple is the color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Wear purple during the month of October and use this to share why ending domestic violence is important to you. Inform others how domestic violence continues to be a public health crisis, as well as stand with survivors and let them know that they are not alone or ignored.
Change your social medial profile picture and cover photos – There are plenty of filters available on social media platforms to show support to Domestic Violence Awareness Month. You can either add a filter to your profile picture or change your cover photo to show you stand with survivors.
Donate – You can donate to your local, state, and national domestic violence agencies to provide extra funding to help domestic violence victims.
Educate yourself – Knowledge is power! Attend events, watch documentaries, and read articles about the devastating impact of domestic violence. The more you learn, the more you can help yourself and others.
Listen – If you know a friend or a loved one who is experiencing domestic violence or has survived it, offer a listening ear. Just being there goes a long way.
If you are a victim of domestic violence in the San Fernando Valley and need to obtain a protective order against your abuser, call Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law at (818) 839-2533 or complete our online contact form today to let us help you. Serving domestic violence victims and survivors in Sherman Oaks, Encino, Van Nuys, Studio City and beyond!
