Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Every1KnowsSome1
By Gloria Sgrizzi
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the National Network to End Domestic Violence has chosen #Every1KnowsSome1 as this year’s unifying theme. Throughout the month we will use the hashtag on our social media posts, and we invite you to join us in this important effort to raise consciousness about this widespread problem, to remember the victims, and to honor the survivors whose stories inspire us every day.
What can you do to raise awareness about domestic violence and dating abuse? Here are some ideas:
• Follow us on social media to share our posts, supply information and engage in the conversation. (You can find our sites by clicking on the icons at the bottom of our home page, APartnershipForChange.org.)
• Educate yourself about the issue by visiting our website and clicking on “Information” to learn about the signs of abuse, resources for support, or to download a copy of our Safety Planning brochure.
• Declare your support by wearing a purple ribbon to honor victims and survivors, and by posting your own thoughts on social media – and remember to use the #Every1KnowsSome1 hashtag.
• Urge your workplace to host a “Lunch & Learn” presentation by inviting a representative from your local DV organization to speak to employees. (If you’re in north or central NJ, reach out to us!) You can also ask your HR department to post our Safety Planning Brochure in common areas or in restrooms.
• Support A Partnership For Change by making a donation, spearheading a fundraiser in your neighborhood, or offering your professional services as a volunteer. Now more than ever, your support of our work is needed as we contend with a devastating 40% cut in VOCA funding.
• Advocate for victims by calling, emailing or messaging your local officials to step up and support the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act to prevent further cuts to VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grants. (VOCA is NOT funded by taxpayers; the fund is comprised of monetary penalties associated with federal criminal convictions.)
Most importantly, if a loved one has reached out to you, know that you can play a role in connecting them to critical services. Here are some suggestions:
• Let them know the abuse is not their fault and that only the abuser is to blame.
• Listen. Do not judge. Respect their choices. Believe them.
• Let them know about resources for free and confidential support – in New Jersey, go to www.NJCEDV.org and click on Get Help to find your county domestic violence agency. For other areas, refer them to the National DV Hotline at 800-799-SAFE. You can even offer to make the call with them for moral support.
• Let them know that domestic violence is a crime and that you’re worried about their safety. Tell them that experienced DV counselors can conduct a safety plan with them.
For us, the theme of DV Awareness Month underscores what is routinely disclosed on our confidential program evaluations: Last year in our programs for police officers (PREP & LEO/In-Service), social service personnel (DV-SOS), and school counselors and health teachers (DATA), we asked: “Will the information you learned today help you to support someone you personally know?” Of the 1,109 respondents, 70% said Yes! This may seem shocking to some, but not to us. Everyone Knows Someone.
All our program attendees – adults and teens – emerge with critical information that empower them to get involved and help someone they care about. This year, we call upon you to be our “partner in change” and help us to make a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence and dating abuse.