National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Domestic Violence can happen to anyone, and 1 in 4 women will experience it at least once in their lifetime. Approximately 3 million women are abused by a spouse or boyfriend each year.  Three out of four people know someone who is or was a victim of domestic violence.

The first step to ending the abuse is to acknowledge that the behavior is abusive. Domestic Abuse involves name calling, controlling behavior, domination and intimidation.  It becomes Domestic Violence when there is physical violence involved.

Not exclusive to marriage relationships, Domestic Violence/Abuse can occur in a family, friendships, cohabitants and boyfriend/girlfriend relationships.  If you think you are being abused, or know someone who is, there are signs to look for.

It's most important to get help for the abused person, whether it's yourself or someone you know.  Remember that you are not alone, it is not your fault, and that there is help.  There are hotlines and organizations available to help you find help and relief.  If you are in the state of Kansas, you can go to the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence's website where there is a list for help in your city.

For more information, visit one of the websites sourced below:

domesticviolence.org
Helpguide.org
dvrc-or.org (Domestic Violence Resource Center)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence