National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time for domestic violence victims and those who serve them to speak out in a unified voice to combat domestic violence, and to challenge all people in America to support the countless programs that provide support and services to victims.

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year.  And according to the CDC, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetimes.

Domestic Violence is...

• Physical Assault: Includes shoving, pushing, restraining, hitting or kicking.

• Sexual Assault: Any time one partner forces sexual acts that are unwanted or declined by the other partner.

• Psychological Assault: Includes isolation from family and friends, forced financial dependence, verbal and emotional abuse, threats,intimidation, and control over the partner’s activities.

• Attacks Against Property and Pets: Destruction of property, household objects or treasured objects belonging to the victim, or abusing or killing beloved pets. 

Please join us this month in celebrating survivors, congratulating advocates, empowering victims, and mourning the deaths of those lost to domestic violence.