October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is an important month to me because so many of my loved ones have been involved in some type of domestic violence. Some weren’t even aware that they were being abused, some couldn’t find their way out and some are still living with abuse. During this month I will shine a light on DVM through the #1Thing Campaign.
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 – each whose “one thing” adds a valuable and powerful component to transforming our communities.
“What is the #1Thing you can do to end domestic violence?”
“Many people care and understand that domestic violence is a serious public health problem. They want to do something but believe their actions can’t make a difference,” said [Name & title of person]. “It feels overwhelming. But change can start with only #1Thing. Imagine if all [# of people in your community/city/town/etc.] individuals in [name of community/city/town/etc.] each commit to doing just #1Thing to stop domestic violence. Well we could really see some serious social transformation.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.1
“Right here is [city/town], [agency name] has served [#] victims of abuse and violence this year [or insert the most current year in which you have #’s) alone,” added [last name of person]. “That is why we need everyone – advocates, medical professionals, educators, survivors, researchers, policy makers, law enforcement officers, business owners, students, and more, to do #1Thing to stop domestic violence here in [town/city].
#1Thing you could do to address domestic violence:
- Be a caring and consistent adult in the life of a child
- Talk to loved ones about violence and oppression
- Create a culture of consent in your home
- Use social media to raise awareness among your peers
- organizations to establish
- Reach out to my local domestic violence program to learn how you can help
- Listen to and validate a survivor of trauma
- Take the #1Thing Community Pledge to end domestic violence: http://ow.ly/fbGT30lYERO
- See more ideas at http://ow.ly/FDXR30lYEFg
This October join me 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 with one another with a true sense of unity to end domestic violence.
#1Thing unites our individual voices while highlighting the power of our collective action.
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1Smith, S.G., Chen, J., Basile, K.C., Gilbert, L.K., Merrick, M.T., Patel, N., Walling, M., & Jain, A. (2017). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010-2012 State Report. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
MrsDeveter 