(Woodland, CA) October 7, 2022 – October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was launched nationwide in October 1987 as a way to come together and connect individuals and organizations involved in raising awareness and educating the community about the serious social issue of domestic violence. Domestic violence knows no boundaries. Anybody can become a victim, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, age or financial status.
While high profile cases of domestic violence may attract big headlines, thousands of people worldwide experience domestic abuse every day. In the United States, an estimated 10 million people experience domestic violence every year. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, about 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. About one in four women, and one in nine men, experience severe violence from their intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical violence, sexual violence, partner stalking with injury, or intentional contraction of sexually transmitted diseases. These statistics are terrifying and heartbreaking. Many victims are left suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, there was a worldwide increase of domestic violence cases. The isolation and confinement led to and an increase of contact between victims and perpetrators. Unfortunately, the ongoing pandemic forced many countries to impose lockdowns as a measure of protection against the spread of the virus. According to the University of California Davis research study, Covid-19, Intimate Partner Violence and Communication Ecologies, the pandemic, like other kinds of disasters, can increase the levels of stress leading to intimate partner violence.
The goal of Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to educate the public to speak out against domestic violence because the issue will continue until society stands up against abusive behavior. Prevention is also a very important role for community members. It’s up to each person to teach children and young adults what healthy and respectful relationships look like. People of all ages need to be taught how to communicate, problem solve, and manage their feelings without resorting to violence.
Yolo County District Attorney’s Office wants the community to know there are ways to join the effort to stop domestic violence. Support your local domestic violence program by donating to Empower Yolo, the domestic violence and sexual assault center in Yolo County www.empoweryolo.org/events or by taking the time to volunteer. Educate yourself and others by scheduling a presentation at your workplace, community center or place of worship. Events organized at the District Attorney’s Office to raise awareness will include a clothing drive that will benefit Empower Yolo and a resolution to proclaim October as Domestic Violence.
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