Coming Out of the Shadows – 5 Resources to Help Those Affected by Domestic Violence
octubre 27, 2021
Speaking Your Truth – Resources to Help Survivors of Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized every October to give a voice to survivors and share the message that domestic violence should not ever be tolerated. It can affect individuals in any community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.
There are some tough statistics surrounding domestic violence that shows just how prolific it is:
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner
- The 8.5 million women and 4 million men domestic violence survivors have had their first experience with domestic violence or other forms of violence before the age of 18
- A woman is far more likely to be killed by her spouse, an intimate acquaintance, or a family member than by a stranger
- Women of color are disproportionately impacted by domestic violence
Domestic violence can have a lasting impact on individuals, including those who become incarcerated. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), 79% of women in federal and state prisons were victims of violence prior to their incarceration, including domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and child abuse. According to the National Institute of Justice, 68% of the incarcerated adult male population also reported some form of early childhood victimization.
Given these statistics, it is likely that we all know someone who has suffered abuse in some form. It is incredibly difficult to seek out help and assistance, but there are organizations and resources that offer support for all victims of domestic violence, including those who are or were incarcerated.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) – Going online, visitors to their website can identify abuse, get help, and make plans for safety with the provided information. Callers to the hotline can expect highly trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.
- National Resource Center on Domestic Violence – A comprehensive source of information for those wanting to educate themselves, help themselves, or help others on the many issues related to domestic violence.
- Hope Recovery – This non-profit organization specializes in supporting adult survivors of abuse and sexual trauma on the journey of healing. They provide variety of online support groups for the survivors of childhood abuse, domestic violence, and/or sexual trauma.
- Love is Respect (312-726-7020) – This national resource helps to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence by empowering young people through inclusive and equitable education, support, and resources.
- DomesticShelters.org – A comprehensive resource that covers common questions and topics about domestic violence, as well as a searchable database that allows anyone in the U.S. and Canada to find nearby domestic violence shelters and services such as emergency services, legal and financial services, counseling services, children’s services, educational services
Surrounding yourself with a positive and supportive network of people can help provide healing. The same is true for incarcerated individuals—positive connections can strengthen bonds and resolve.
Reach out to your loved one today!
Posted In: Blog
