October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is the month that we call attention to Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors—physical, sexual, emotional—used by one intimate partner against another. The person who acts out may employ tactics that attempt to hurt, blame, manipulate, frighten and/or injure the victim and/or their loved ones. This person is grasping for power in the relationship.

The following offer ideas of how you can help decrease domestic violence in your community:

1. Volunteer – contribute your time, money, resources to your local programs
2. Model – be respectful with your responses to conflicts within your own family
3. Advocacy – contact law enforcement if you witness violence in progress
4. Support – if you have a friend or co-worker who you suspect is a victim, offer
support; refer them to the National Domestic Violence Hotline @ 1-800-799-SAFE