October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The National Network to End Domestic Violence’s (NNEDV) theme for 2021 is #Every1KnowsSome1.
Domestic violence is an umbrella term that can encompass forms of interpersonal violence such as:
- Intimate Partner Violence (also known as relationship violence or dating violence)
- Teen Dating Violence
- Family Violence (including child abuse and neglect)
- Elder Abuse
- Stalking
- Physical violence
- Sexual violence
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Financial abuse
- Forms of intimidation, coercion, or threats
It is important to remember that domestic violence is about power and control.
Anyone can experience domestic violence, regardless of their background or identity. However, due to intersecting forms of oppression, marginalized and underserved communities tend to experience domestic violence at disproportionate rates. Black women and girls, Native and Indigenous women and girls, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people experiencing poverty, individuals with disabilities, and people at the intersections of each of these identities experience higher rates of violence.
Everyone has a right to healthy relationships, safe communities, and freedom from violence. Although one person cannot do everything, everyone can do something.
- While it is not a comprehensive list, here are some ways to raise awareness during DVAM and year-round:
- Believe and support victims and survivors
- Practice active bystander intervention
- Educate yourself and others on healthy relationships and consent. Talking to your friends, families, partners, and community members about these topics can be a powerful way to spread awareness
- Learn about anti-violence movements, activism, and advocacy
- Participate in community events and demonstrations
- Volunteer for, donate to, and support organizations working to end domestic violence and support survivors
- Speak out in support of the cause and share information on social media
- Advocate for policy and social change
- Take a pledge such as the White Ribbon Campaign: https://www.whiteribbon.ca/
If you or someone you know has experienced any form of interpersonal violence you are not alone.
Community and Nationwide Resources for Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or Text “START” to 88788
- The Center for Family Safety and Healing
- LSS CHOICES
- Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO)
- Local Helpline: 614-267-7020
- On-Campus Advocate: 614-688-2518
- Located at 33 West 11th Avenue, Room 202
- Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN)
- 1 in 6
- 1 in 6 provides support, resources, and advocacy for men who are victims and survivors of sexual violence
- Deaf Phoenix
- Deaf World Against Violence Everywhere (DWAVE) Ohio
- Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Network (BRAVO)
- BRAVO provides advocacy and support for LGBTQI survivors of hate and bias violence, discrimination, intimate partner violence, stalking, and/or sexual assault
- Helpline: Call 1-866-862-7286 or Text 614-333-1907
- Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV)
- Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services
- Ohio Hispanic Coalition Soy Latina Victim Services Program
- Ohio Victim Witness Association (OVWA)
- me too. https://metoomvmt.org/
On-campus resources: