October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month I thought I would share some of my articles on the subject. Throughout this month I will post articles I have previously written as well as new ones that I plan to write. We need to get the word out about domestic violence.

According to the Department of Justice 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner each year. In 2000, intimate partners killed 1,247 women and 440 men. Between the years of 1998 and 2002 50% of spousal abuse offenders in prison had killed their victims. 18-24 year olds only made up about 11.7% of the population between the years of 1998 to 2002 but were the majority of victims of violence committed by a boyfriend or girlfriend. 1 in 5 high school females report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.

According to the Stalker Resource Center 59% of female victims and 39% of male victims are stalked by an intimate partner. Out of the 28% of female victims and 10% of male victims who obtained protective orders 69% of the female victims and 81% of the male victims had the protection orders violated.

These are horrible and very scary statistics. Which is why we need to bring awareness to this very serious issue. In today's society it is unfortunate, but more than likely you know a victim or abuser or are one of the two yourself, possibly both. We need to educate ourselves as well as others in order to attempt to stop the violence. Education is just the first step, but it is also the most important.

This subject matter is close to my heart as one of my dearest friends lived with this secret for years until her husband moved her and their girls far away from any support system. This is where the abuse was really allowed to flourish and evolve. It culminated in her fleeing for her life with her daughters. I have witnessed domestic violence all to often in my relatively young life.

Domestic violence is way to prevalent in our world today. I encourage all of you to learn, educate, and stand up against the violence. Together we can make a difference!

Some of the articles I plan to publish will be: Warning Signs, What to do if you suspect someone you know is a victim, Symptoms that you are in an abusive relationship, and Creating a safety plan.