October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

​​Written by: Amanda Briggs, Community Engagement Specialist at Rise Above Violence
​Domestic violence is a heartbreaking reality for too many people. It wreaks havoc on the lives of those who experience it, creates dangerous and traumatic situations for children who grow up around it, and causes tremendous grief for everyone who loses a loved one to violence. One in four women and one in seven men become victims of some form of domestic violence in their lifetime.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we pause to educate ourselves about this issue, grieve with those who are experiencing or have survived domestic violence, and take action to prevent harm from occurring to our fellow human beings. We are grateful to the officials of Archuleta County and the town of Pagosa Springs for recognizing the importance of this month and declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness Month at their meetings on October 3, 2023.
In the past year, 358 victims of domestic violence in Archuleta County came to Rise Above Violence for support, safety planning, emergency housing, emotional support, legal advocacy and education, or support for children who were exposed to violence.
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Rise Above Violence is holding its second iRise Adventure Challenge! Participants can choose a 30-miles-in-30-days challenge, or an extreme challenge for running or cycling. The challenge begins Sunday, October 1st. If you would like to participate and compete for the grand prize, please ensure you sign up by Saturday, October 7th at the latest. You can register at www.riseaboveviolence.org. Click the “Events” tab and look for “iRise Adventure Challenge.”
We are grateful for the support and generosity of those who sponsor and participate in our awareness events each year. If you would like more information, please visit our website, www.riseaboveviolence.org, or email amanda@riseaboveviolence. Stay up to date on all our Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities by following Rise Above Violence on Facebook or Instagram.
Rise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides 24-hour support and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault or other forms of violence, serving around 400 victims each year. Rise also works to eliminate violence through education for youth and our community. All programs and services are free and confidential, including emergency prevention education and empowerment programs. Visit www.riseaboveviolence.org for more information or call (970) 264-9075 to talk to an advocate today.