October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about domestic violence, its impact on individuals and communities, and the resources available for those affect. Once again the town's lampposts will be decorated with purple ribbons signifying support of survivors. Educational articles will be presented to help increase awareness and the month will wrap up with a special movie presentation of "It Ends With Us."
"It Ends With Us" Movie Event -- October 24th, 6:00 p.m. at the Liberty Theater Join Rise Above Violence at the Liberty Theater for a special presentation of "It Ends With Us," adapted from Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel of the same name. Following the movie, there will be a panel discussion with local area professionals for a robust community conversation. All ticket sales from this event go directly to Rise Above Violence to provide support and services to victims in our community. To purchase your tickets, click on the button below. Trigger Warning: This film contains themes and depictions of domestic violence, which may be distressing for some viewers. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, support resources are available through Rise Above Violence at (970) 264-9075. Please take care of yourself while watching, it's okay to step away if you need to. Your well-being is important.
DVAM History Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children.
The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level. The activities conducted were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had common themes:
Mourning those who have died because of domestic violence
Celebrating those who have survived
Connecting those who work to end violence
These three themes remain a key focus of DVAM events today.
In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline.
In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since with National Coalition Against Domestic Violence providing key leadership in this effort. Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
- Adapted from the 1996 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resource Manual of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 566 SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, COMMENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM ADVOCATES, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM SERVICE PROVIDERS, CRISIS HOTLINE STAFF, AND FIRST RESPONDERS SERVING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FOR THEIR COMPASSIONATE SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, AND EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT CONGRESS SHOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT EFFORTS TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HOLD PERPETRATORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACCOUNTABLE Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. Leahy, Ms. Ayotte, and Ms. Klobuchar) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
Whereas domestic violence victim advocates, domestic violence service providers, domestic violence first responders, and other individuals in the United States observe the month of October, 2016, as “National Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in order to increase awareness in the United States about the issue of domestic violence;
Whereas it is estimated that each year approximately 12,673,000 individuals in the United States are victims of intimate partner violence, including-- (1) physical violence; (2) rape; or (3) stalking;
Whereas more than 1 in 5 women in the United States and up to 1 in 7 men in the United States have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner;
Whereas, on average, 3 women are killed by a current or former intimate partner every day in the United States, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics;
Whereas personal safety and economic security are often inextricably linked for victims of domestic violence, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence;
Whereas 1 in 11 women and 1 in 21 men who have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner missed work or school as a result of the abuse;
Whereas the National Domestic Violence Counts Census found that during 1 day during September 2015, more than 71,828 victims of domestic violence received services, but 12,197 requests for services went unmet due to a lack of funding and resources;
Whereas domestic violence affects women, men, and children of every age and background, but women-- (1) experience more domestic violence than men; and (2) are significantly more likely than men to be injured during an assault by an intimate partner;
Whereas women aged 18 to 34 typically experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics;
Whereas most female victims of intimate partner violence have been victimized by the same offender previously;
Whereas domestic violence is cited as a significant factor in homelessness among families;
Whereas research shows that households in which children are abused or neglected are likely to have a higher rate of intimate partner violence;
Whereas millions of children are exposed to domestic violence each year;
Whereas victims of domestic violence experience immediate and long-term negative outcomes, including detrimental effects on mental and physical health;
Whereas crisis hotlines serving domestic violence operate 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, and offer important-- (1) crisis intervention; (2) support; (3) information; and (4) referrals for victims;
Whereas staff and volunteers of domestic violence shelters and programs in the United States, in cooperation with 56 State and territorial coalitions against domestic violence, serve-- (1) thousands of adults and children each day; and (2) at least 1,000,000 adults and children each year;
Whereas law enforcement officers in the United States put their lives at risk each day by responding to incidents of domestic violence, which can be among the most volatile and deadly disturbance calls;
Whereas Congress first demonstrated a significant commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence through the landmark enactment of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10401 et seq.);
Whereas Congress has remained committed to protecting survivors of all forms of domestic violence and sexual abuse by making Federal funding available to support the activities that are authorized under-- (1) the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10401 et seq.); and (2) the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925 et seq.); [[Page S5851]]
Whereas there is a need to continue to support programs and activities aimed at domestic violence intervention and domestic violence prevention in the United States; and
Whereas individuals and organizations that are dedicated to preventing and ending domestic violence should be recognized:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That-- (1) the Senate supports the goals and ideals of “National Domestic Violence Awareness Month”; and (2) it is the sense of the Senate that Congress should-- (A) continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and the corresponding devastating effects of domestic violence on survivors, families, and communities; and (B) pledge continued support for programs designed-- (i) to assist survivors; (ii) to hold perpetrators accountable; and (iii) to bring an end to domestic violence.
