What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence is defined as the victimization of an individual or individuals resulting from abuse, attacks, or assault undertaken by their respective partners within the realm of a romantic relationship or courtship. That being said, domestic violence as a general term, is difficult to address, due to the many natures of the act; domestic violence may not only take place within a variety settings, but also through the involvement of a vast array of individuals victimized, as well.
Domestic violence can be delivered as a physical, emotional, verbal, sexual or psychological attack. In addition to these various fashions, acts of domestic violence can be initiated on both partners, meaning both the male and female of a relationship.
What is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
In 1995, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence—a leading organization aimed at preventing domestic violence cases and educating those who are victims of domestic violence—convened other organization, such as the Family Violence Prevention Fund, The National Domestic Violence Hotline,
The national Network to End Domestic Violence and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in an effort to support such programs’ education and awareness efforts. Collectively these organizations join together in the month of October, which is the nationally recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to educate the masses concerning domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Month takes place throughout the month of October. During this month, the previously mentioned organizations travel throughout United States to raise awareness of the cruel and debilitating circumstances surrounding domestic violence.
The organizations raise money, supply victims with educational and psychological resources to help those aggrieved parties understand their situations in a rational viewpoint and provide outreach programs to those who fall victim to such acts.
Domestic violence awareness month is a crucial timeframe to educate the masses on the dangers involved with domestic violence. One of the primary objectives of the organizations involved in Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to encourage those victims or loved ones of victims to contact authorities or hotlines to make their cases known.
By contacting professionals or organizations like the ones mentioned above, victims of domestic violence can seek help and bring justice to their aggressive counterparts.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a full-fledged campaign to distribute resources and professional help to those who fall victim to violent or psychological attacks at the hands of their loved ones. Domestic Violence Awareness Month, through the distribution of resources and education efforts, is a fundamental vehicle to hopefully end domestic violence.
What to do if you or a loved is a victim to Domestic Violence:
In the event that you or a loved one has been made aware of an ongoing case of domestic violence, or has been party to domestic violence that has occurred in the past, you are encouraged to contact your local authorities or law enforcement department in order to report the details of the offense.
If you wish to report the actions in an anonymous fashion, you may contact the appropriate government department, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline through their 24-hour telephone number: (800) 799-7233. Remember, no one deserves to be victimized by Domestic Violence; a multitude of resources and assistance exist to prevent these unfortunate acts.