According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, “An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over a single year.” October represents a month of awareness as advocates join together to unify the nation in efforts to end domestic violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse present in an intimate relationship to gain or maintain control of the other partner in the relationship. The month of October was declared as domestic violence awareness month in 1989 and it is a time to recognize domestic violence survivors and a space for victims to share their stories.
Domestic violence can be present in any community regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or socioeconomic status. The effects of domestic violence can result in physical, emotional and mental injury and can leave a lasting impact on the way of life and can follow families through generations.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, some common signs of domestic violence include:
- Telling you that you never do anything right.
- Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
- Insulting, demeaning or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
- Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with others, particularly friends, family members or peers.
- Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
- Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
- Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
- Destroying your belongings or your home.
Domestic violence has a serious impact on children who grow up witnessing such abuse. According to the Office on Violence Against Women, when a child grows up witnessing domestic abuse, they are predisposed to numerous social and physical problems. Children who develop around domestic abuse are taught that violence is the normal way of life, meaning they are more likely to become abusers in the future. According to The National Child Trauma Stress Network domestic violence in the home can have a long-lasting impression on a child’s emotional well-being and social and academic function.
If you or someone you know are subject to domestic violence or the result of such abuse, help is available. Call +1-800-799-7233 to get help. The hotline is available 24/7.