10 MILLION.
IN ONE YEAR, NEARLY 20 PEOPLE PER MINUTE ARE ABUSED BY AN INTIMATE PARTNER.
THAT'S ALMOST 10 MILLION WOMEN, MEN, AND CHILDREN. 1
Domestic Violence is also known as intimate partner violence and relationship abuse. It is defined as a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to gain and keep power and control over another in an intimate relationship. It can also include other types of family abuse, including elder abuse and child abuse. Click here to check out our Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) activities, happening every October, to bring attention to this serious crime that affects all of our communities.
SOME SIGNS OF DV
Abusers don’t show who they really are when you first meet. In the beginning the signs of manipulation and controlling behavior are subtle, and designed to make you think they care about you. The cycles of violence and other tactics are designed to keep you unsure and afraid.
Punching, shoving, slapping, biting, kicking, choking you. Throws objects or shouts at you.
Touches you, makes you have sex when you don’t want to or in uncomfortable sexual positions.
Threatens to kidnap or hurt the children if you leave. Hurts or threatens your pets.
Threatens to commit suicide if you leave.
Humiliates you in private or public. Insults and drives away family and friends.
Locks you in or out of your home or theirs. Takes your car keys or money.
ACTION PLANS
SAFETY PLANNING
What do you need to have in place to ensure your protection? Our counselors can help you with information, referrals and more, as you consider what’s best for you and when to do it.
SUPPORT PLANNING
We are here for you and we believe you. Assistance is available as you decide what’s best for you and your children, who you can to go to for support and the kind of help you need.
SUPPORT & COUNSELING
Domestic violence is never the victim’s fault. We are here to help. Call us at 340.773.9272, for free and confidential crisis counseling and other services, if you or someone you know has experienced domestic abuse. You are not alone.
October is DVAM, when we promote awareness of year-round education and prevention efforts and encourage continued support for survivors. Contact us for more information on how you can help or let us know about your DVAM event.
Purple is the theme color for DV Awareness. Join us in wearing purple, especially during DVAM, to show support for survivors and raise awareness on the effects of this crime in our local and global communities.
1 CDC.gov – national statistics