B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Cares
October Is Domestic Violence Awareness MonthDomestic violence is best understood as a pattern of abusive behaviors -- including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic coercion -- used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month started in October of 1981, with a Day of Unity, to connect advocates and raise awareness about the chilling impact of domestic violence in America. In 1987, the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline was launched, along with the start of continued legislation commemorating the awareness of domestic violence across the country.
The Domestic Violence Awareness Project began in 1995 with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence joining with other like-minded organizations to address the cause. The group partnered to launch support programs, heighten awareness about domestic violence, and work to diminish its trend in our society.
The work of the DVAP strives to creatively bring to life its statement of purpose:
The Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP) supports the rights of all individuals, especially women and girls, to live in peace and dignity. Violence and all other forms of oppression against all communities and families must be eliminated. The purpose of the DVAP is to support and promote the national, tribal, territorial, state and local advocacy networks in their ongoing public education efforts through public awareness campaigns, strategies, materials, resources, capacity-building and technical assistance.
The Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP) supports the rights of all individuals, especially women and girls, to live in peace and dignity. Violence and all other forms of oppression against all communities and families must be eliminated. The purpose of the DVAP is to support and promote the national, tribal, territorial, state and local advocacy networks in their ongoing public education efforts through public awareness campaigns, strategies, materials, resources, capacity-building and technical assistance.
Check out these sites to get more information about domestic violence, and please make use of the hotlines. We must all do our part in bringing this trend to an end.