Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October in the United States, officially declared by Congress in 1989, and serves to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote action against domestic violence. It aims to educate communities, honor victims, and encourage collective action to end domestic violence.
In October, though purple and pink observances both promote health and can include celebrating survivors, congregations often speak more publicly about breast cancer and promote its prevention at a much higher rate than Domestic Violence (DV) or Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Did you know that the popular saying associated with breast cancer awareness – “Early detection saves lives” – is also true about DV and IPV?
Here are some alarming statistics:
- 40% of Black women will experience DV across their lifetimes, compared to 30% of white women.
- Black women are 3 times more likely to die because of IPV than white women.
- Worldwide, more than 5 women or girls are killed every hour by an intimate partner or family member.
- In the US, every day, 3 women are killed by an intimate partner.
According to The Black Women’s Health Imperative, DV is the number one health issue facing Black Women. We all know that Black women are the backbone of The Black Church.
If you suspect that someone is in an abusive relationship – physically, psychologically, emotionally, financially, or technologically:
- Create a safe space for a private conversation.
- Begin by saying something like, “You don’t seem like yourself lately…”
- Listen without interrupting.
- Assure the person that s/he is not to blame and has no reason to be ashamed.
- Do not judge or suggest a course of action.
- Assure the person that s/he is not alone.
- Give him/her time and space to feel comfortable opening up to you.
- Encourage the abused person to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling (800) 799-7233 or texting BEGIN to 88788.
Support Resources: These services offer crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals.
- Black Women’s Health Imperative: Our Story - Black Women's Health Imperative
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233). org
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1‑844‑762‑8483. org
Videos (optional viewing as they may trigger strong emotional response)