October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, We Must Stand With Survivors

Wooster, OH – Domestic violence impacts millions of people each year, but it can be prevented. It requires the collective voice and power of individuals, families, institutions, and systems taking action to stand with survivors, always.

That is why this October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), OneEighty is shifting from awareness to action. We invite you to join us in taking collective action to end domestic violence.

Many people care and understand that domestic violence is a serious problem. They want to do something but aren’t sure where to begin. It feels overwhelming. But this current moment requires collective action on behalf of survivors and their families. When we work together, we can make a difference.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.¹ Every day, advocates and local domestic violence programs are there to help. But across the United States, countless programs are currently facing funding shortages and operating at reduced capacity. Some have even had to close their doors.

In Wayne and Holmes counties, OneEighty serves hundreds of victims of abuse and violence each year. Survivors deserve safety, support, and solidarity. That is why we need everyone — advocates, medical professionals, educators, survivors, researchers, policy makers, law enforcement, business owners, students — to take action. We must stand with survivors, always.

Throughout October, OneEighty will join organizations and communities nationwide in observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, raising awareness about domestic violence and highlighting ways everyone can help support survivors and prevent abuse. As part of this effort, proclamation readings will take place at both the Wayne County and Holmes County Commissioners’ meetings. Community members are also invited to visit the Clothesline Project displays at OneEighty’s main office, located at 104 Spink Street, and at the Wayne County Public Library.

Everyone has a role to play. You can:

• Be a caring and consistent adult in the life of a child
• Talk to loved ones about healthy relationships, red flags, and domestic violence
• Create a culture of consent in your home
• Use social media to raise awareness among your peers
• Donate time, goods, or funds to your local domestic violence program
• Advocate for policies that support survivors and their families
• Learn more at DVawareness.org/WithSurvivors

This October, join OneEighty as we mourn for those whose lives were taken by domestic violence, celebrate the tremendous progress victim advocates have made over the years, and connect to meet our current moment. Together, we must stand with survivors. Always. 

https://www.dvawareness.org/WithSurvivors