DV Awareness Month

Domestic violence has been an issue plaguing the world since history started being recorded. For a long time, laws throughout history have often ignored, or even supported, this kind of violence. Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence, “involves the physical, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse of one person by another in order to intimidate, humiliate or frighten” and thereby maintain power and control. In recent times, this behavior has become less tolerable in society, however, some cultures still view it as acceptable. That being said, there have been incredible strides in the last century to fight back against domestic violence and hold individuals accountable. 


Brief History Overview

  • 1978: The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights hearings legitimize the needs of battered women as a national concern- thus, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence was founded

  • 1981: The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence introduced October 17th as the National Day of Unity on behalf of victims and survivors of domestic violence 

  • 1987: The first Domestic Violence awareness month is observed

  • 1994: Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) legislation was introduced. This piece of legislation provided significant funds for the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women, stepped up requirements for restitution to survivors, and made civil litigation possible where the criminal justice system fell short. Collaborations between community organizations and the US Government formed to address domestic violence. 

  • 1997: October is declared as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

  • 2005: VAWA is reauthorized and includes prevention language

  • 2010: The Family Violence Prevention Services Act (FVPSA) is enacted as public law

  • 2013: The Violence Against Reauthorization Act was passed, renewing the VAWA Act for another 5 years, including new and vital protections for college students, LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, and tribal members


Myths

  1. Domestic violence is only physical abuse

Domestic violence covers a wide array of abuse, not only physical. It also includes: sexual abuse, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, financial abuse, stalking, harassment, reproductive abuse, and psychological abuse. 

  1. Domestic violence only happens to females

On average, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 4 men will experience a form of domestic violence throughout their lifetime. Violence doesn’t discriminate by gender, age, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

  1. Only men are abusers

Both men and women can be abusers

  1. If you’re a victim of domestic violence, why don’t you just leave?

Abusers do anything in their power to keep their spouses or children in control- taking away their means of transportation, communication with friends/family, isolation, gaslighting, and other forms of coercive control. Many victims want to leave but it could be potentially dangerous for them to do so. 


What You Can Do:

  • Volunteer at your local domestic violence agency

  • Attend awareness events; share information through social media and in-person about domestic violence; research organizations and agencies in your area that are fighting to end domestic violence

  • Start conversations with your friends, families, and communities about domestic violence and how to help

Friend to Friend