Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship. The abuse can be verbal, physical, sexual, and/or psychological and the purpose is to frighten, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, and/or sometimes kill the current or former partner.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It connects advocates across the nation who are working to end domestic violence, educates community members about the prevalence of abuse, encourages people to take action to end abuse, and alerts survivors to the options and resources that are available to them. For observance ideas, access the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s 31 Ways in 31 Days to Recognize DVAM or the Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP).

Visit National Domestic Violence Hotline for more information about domestic violence, including potential warning signs for emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. For local resources or assistance, go to Women in Distress or call 211, Broward's First Call for Help.