October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, serving as a reminder to be an active participant in preventing and ending domestic violence. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), on average, nearly 20 people per minute experience physical abuse by an intimate partner in the United States. Our best tool to decrease that number is to promote and foster respectful, nonviolent relationships. Healthy environments where people feel safe and supported can make a significant impact in decreasing violent behaviors.
Here are ways to make an impact in your community:
- Speak out – Having a conversation about domestic violence can help eliminate stigma while reminding victims that they have support.
- Utilize social – Post statistics to raise awareness or change your profile picture to show survivors that you support them and stand with the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV). Visit them on Facebook to join the conversation.
- Wear Purple – Purple is the color for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. #PurpleThursday is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness on a large scale.
- Watch for signs of abuse – Understand that there are many forms of abuse. If something seems wrong, don’t just dismiss it. Start a conversation. You could save a life.
Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) is committed to helping victims find their voice in domestic violence situations. If a victim confides in any FHCSD staff member that he or she is in an unsafe or domestic violence situation, they can be connected with resources and get help in a confidential manner. FHCSD also partners with community groups to end the cycle of violence and help victims, and their children, leave their domestic situations to find a safe place. For more information about FHCSD resources, please contact our Patient Care Support Services at (619) 515-2526.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; www.ncadv.org
