CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October is Domestic Violence Month
Domestic violence is an epidemic in America: nearly four million
American women are physically abused each year by the men
who promised to love them. Children in these homes suffer
the psychological anguish of witnessing this violence, and
often experience abuse themselves. Estimates are that from
19-25% of dating relationships involve violence. The FBI reports
that some 1,400 women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends
each year.
In Minnesota in 2009: At least 12 women were murdered
in cases where the suspected, alleged, or convicted perpetrator
was a current or former husband, boyfriend, intimate partner,
or household member, or family member of the deceased woman.
At least 10 children under the age of 18 were murdered in
cases where the suspected, alleged, or convicted perpetrator
was their mother's husband, boyfriend or intimate partner,
or was the parent, guardian, baby-sitter, or household/family
member of the child.
Contrary to common belief, violence in our homes is a problem
in all communities regardless of race, religion, geographic
location or income. Hands of Hope Resource Center worked
with over 389 different victims of domestic violence from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009. We know this is just a fraction of the women and men who experience
violence in our community. In some way, domestic violence affects
every community, every workplace, every family.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day
of Unity observed in October, 1981. The intent was to connect
domestic violence advocates across the nation who were working
to end violence against women and their children. In October
1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was held.
This month was set aside to build awareness that battering
is widespread, to alert the public to services and intervention
that can help people who are being abused, to encourage community
responsibility for prevention, and to increase global awareness.
Police, doctors, clergy, employers, teachers, neighbors -- you
and I -- can prevent abuse. If we take responsibility, each
of us can help prevent domestic violence. Everyone has to be
part of the solution. No matter how you say it, there's no excuse
for abuse. If you need help or would like more information contact
Hands of Hope at 632-1657 in Little Falls or 732-2319 in Long
Prairie. Everyone deserves to live in a home that is free from
violence.
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