When the month of October roles in, it usually feels like the first reminder that fall is really here. Cool air, falling leaves, green, yellow, red and brown everywhere we look because of the changing weather. A period of seasonal transition. For many in the helping professions, October represents Domestic Violence Awareness month. And its a time to consider the stark reality that in the US our country has a domestic violence awareness rate of 1 in 4 women is a victim of domestic violence within her lifetime.
Few victims will ever expose themselves as a victim to their friends, family, or loved ones. Few victims recognize themselves as victims. Part of what keeps someone in the position of being abused is the shame that comes with being considered a victim. This shame prevent s people from speaking up and prevents others from asking questions. Its likely that the only one who knows for sure that someone is being battered is the batterer and the person being battered. Over one million women are abused in their relationship every year. And 85% of domestic violence victims are women and 15% are men. Women are most likely abused by someone they are involved with when they are between the ages of 20-24. Men are also abused by their partners and have trouble reaching out because of additional shame they may feel about being battered.
October 17th is “Purple Day” this year. Wear purple to bring awareness to domestic violence and in support of those that aren’t able to speak out for themselves.
Click to access DomesticViolenceFactSheet%28National%29.pdf
http://www.americanbar.org/groups/domestic_violence/resources/statistics.html
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