Domestic Violence Awareness Month
An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year.
First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is held each October as a way to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence.
Domestic violence can be described as a systemic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors that one person non-consensually uses over another to gain and maintain power and control over their thoughts, beliefs, actions, body, and/or spirit.
According to Andrew Howard, Assistant Program Director of BHN’s Domestic Violence program, the two most critical aspects of domestic violence awareness are the understanding of what it actually looks like, and the stigma of being a survivor.
It’s important to know the red flags of abuse because domestic violence doesn’t look the same in every relationship. . If you’re experiencing one or more of these things in your relationship and feel that you are in danger, call The Hotline at the bottom of this post to talk about what’s going on. View the websites below for more information and helpful resources.
Victim Resources
BHN Valley Human Services
96 South St, Ware, MA
Additional Resources:
- Shelter Requests, 24-hour Hotline: 877-785-2020
- Housing Support
- : 1-800-656-4673
Perpetrator Resources
Intimate Partner Abuse Education Program
40-week education classes: 413-967-6241
A Call for Change Helpline: A Call for Change Helpline is a free, anonymous, and confidential intimate partner abuse prevention helpline, serving Massachusetts adults and teens who are at risk of harming their intimate partner or who have questions about how to be a safe partner. Responders are trained to treat all callers with respect and to support their efforts to become and remain safe in their relationships. Family members, friends, and professionals who want to help someone stop harming their partner are also encouraged to contact the helpline. More information can be found at or call 877-898-3411, 10 am to 10 pm.
Upcoming Events
9th Annual Domestic Violence Walk
Sunday, October 20th, 1pm
Veterans Park, Ware MA
Source: National Domestic Violence Hotline
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