October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Some of our counselors recently attended the monthly Warren County "family care team" meeting and brought back a newsletter about Warren County's work in the area of domestic violence. I have copy/pasted some of the information below as I feel it might be useful. I have also included some upcoming events and meetings that some parents may be interested in. Remember, if you are in an abusive relationship or know someone who is, please contact a person you can talk to and feel safe to talk to. You do not need to handle an issue like this alone....there are people out there who can help.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from one single day, called the “Day of Unity.” The Day of Unity was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in October of 1981, and continues to be celebrated on the first Monday of October. The intent of the Day of Unity was to empower domestic violence advocates across the nation, who were united with a passion to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became a week devoted to a wide range of activities at local, State and National levels.

Six years later, in October of 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. However, an even bigger accomplishment was reached in 1989 when the U.S. Congress passed legislation designating, and labeling, the month of October as the official National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Legislation continues year in and year out, bring

awareness to the ongoing struggle of combating violence occurring everyday within our communities. With national organizations, such as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, leading the way, this legislation will continue to get passed annually.

Sixteen Years of the Violence Against Women Act

More than a hundred advocates and college students from around the country gathered at the home of Vice President Biden to mark the 16th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The Vice President spoke passionately about his ongoing commitment to ending violence against women and girls and the next steps we must take to change societal attitudes about violence,

Written and championed by then-Senator Biden, VAWA focused on improving the criminal justice response to domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. Since 1994, VAWA has sent 4 billion dollars to states and local communities to develop specialized law enforcement units, provide services to victims, improve prosecution of these crimes, and train professionals about domestic violence and sexual assault. In many ways, VAWA has been successful. Since the passage of the Act, domestic violence has dropped by 58% In spite of all this progress, we still have much work to do. Three women still die every day at the hands of husbands or boyfriends. Domestic violence causes two million injuries a year and untold amounts of human suffering. Domestic violence shelters are still full, hotlines are ringing, and for every victim who has come forward, many more are suffering alone.

---Originally posted in Warren County Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Are you in an Abusive Relationship?

How do you know if you are, or potentially could be, in an abusive

relationship?

Please read the following list of the top ten signs you may be in an abusive relationship.

Your partner is continually jealous

They are controlling of your behavior

Your partner portrays himself/herself as the victim

They are emotionally unavailable to your needs

They hold unrealistic expectations for you

Your partner isolates you from everyone and everything

They are extremely sensitive and believe everything you say to be a negative criticism

Your partner exhibits odd sexual behavior

They don‟t allow you have your own thoughts

Your partner abuses alcohol or drugs

This is not an all inclusive list of warning signs. Each abusive relationship differs, however, if you notice one or more of these signs present, please call the Iowa Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-0333 or the local crisis line at 515-243-6147.

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