Don’t stay silent. It’s time to speak up all month long.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which first began in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country.
Domestic violence is a pattern of power and manipulation that is used to intimidate and control another person. While domestic violence may include physical violence, there are many other forms of domestic violence. And many of these are legal.
Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) affects millions of Americans, people of all genders, of every race, religion, culture and status. It’s not just punches and black eyes — it’s yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation. It’s stealing a paycheck, monitoring activities online, non-stop texting, constant use of the silent treatment, or calling someone stupid so often they believe it.
Nearly three out of four Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. Now is time to take a stand. Support survivors and speak out against domestic violence all month long. If you need assistance or want to talk to someone about domestic violence, call 360.715.1563 anytime to speak with an advocate.
You can choose to play a key role in ending violence. Find out how HERE.
This is not illegal. But it is domestic violence.
Whatcom County statistics were provided by Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence
Washington State and National statistics were provided by National Coalition Against Domestic Violence