October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

When you think October, you often think fall, Halloween, breaking out the candy, figuring out how to make home-made costumes for your kids, and preparing to make holiday plans. While all these activities are fun, exciting, and add a level of depth and dimension to your relationships with your children, October should also make you think of another very important event - Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).

In 1987, almost 25 years ago, October became the official month of Domestic Violence Awareness. This awareness program was launched due to the record high number of deaths of women associated with domestic violence for that year. Purple became the nationally recognized color of DVAM, as it is said to symbolize the colors of the bruises received by those who are victims of this atrocity. According to DomesticViolenceStatistics.org, domestic violence is still the leading cause of injury to women. The LEADING cause- that means more than car accidents, rapes, and muggings - domestic violence trumps all of them. Domestic Violence isn't the same as being mugged and beaten on the street by a stranger, or raped by a person who don't know. Domestic Violence occurs in the home, by people who are known, loved, and close to the victims. The perpetrator is someone the victim is in a relationship with, married to, or as a commitment to. No strangers are involved in this type of violence. This perhaps, makes this violence all the more deadly and terrifying.

Domestic violence doesn't just effect women. Men are also domestic violence victims, and the mental and emotional damage inflicted on young children who become victims by observing domestic violence in their homes is on the up-rise. Domestic Violence hurts everyone. Here are some general statistics from NOMore.org regarding the casualties of domestic violence:

• 1 in 4 women experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes.
• 1 in 3 teens experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend in one year.
• 1 in 6 women are survivors of sexual assault.
• 1 in 5 men have experienced some form of sexual victimization in their lives.
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18.

These are scary numbers with scary results. So what can you do? If you think or suspect that a friend, sibling, or relative is being abused by a partner, report it. If you observe domestic violence in progress, report it. Don't be silent. Make yourself aware of the signs and symptoms of domestic violence. Educate yourself on resources for those in need. If you are a victim yourself, escape it. Report the abuse, take shelter with those who care for you, and find resources to help you heal. You can do it. Domestic Violence effects everyone and you ARE strong enough to end it.

In Oklahoma City the YWCA can help to educate and protect you and those you love. Their mission is to empower women to fight against domestic violence and sexual assault, racism, and promote peace, freedom, and dignity. They are a great resource in this area for those who feel they are victims, or know victims of domestic violence. For more information, visit their website at:

http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=djIMI0POKvG&b=4818621

or get in touch with them by phone at 405.943.7177

Knowing the resources in your area can help you to end domestic violence.
So, this October, wear purple and help build awareness for Domestic Violence in your area. Many events are occurring in the upcoming months:

"Silent Witness Initiative Project Tour" - Verizon Wireless and the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (OCADVSA) - stops in Durant, Oklahoma today, Oct 1st from 7 to 8 pm
"Women Who Care, Share" - YWCA - December 3rd
"Rally on the South Lawn of the State Capitol" & "Wear Purple Day" - Women's Haven - Oct 4th, 6:30 pm
"Telling Amy's Story" - screening on Great Lawn at Myriad Gardens - Oct 9th, 7 pm

Be sure to stay tuned to our blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest pages as we locate more DVAM events and keep you updated with stats, stories, and facts. Raising awareness of Domestic Violence is a crucial part of bringing about peace and keeping your children and family safe.

So, while enjoying the crisp, fall air and helping your kids pick out Halloween costumes and fall decorations, wear something purple to remind you of DVAM. Enjoy the week and enjoy your kids!