Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2024:

Empowering Safer, Braver Spaces Through Education and Support

October 8, 2024

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a crucial time to raise awareness, educate the public, and promote essential resources to prevent domestic violence. Each year, domestic violence affects millions, leaving lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars. At the same time, Safe At Home is committed to fostering safer, braver spaces for those impacted by domestic violence. Through our trauma-informed Margaret’s Place programs, we provide direct support to students in schools by offering counseling, education, and peer leadership programs that help young people build healthy relationships.

Even if your school doesn’t have a Margaret’s Place program, this month, we are sharing valuable resources to empower communities and equip them with the tools needed to make a difference both inside and outside the classroom.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence, commonly referred to as intimate partner violence, is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to exert control over another person. In fact, it can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse: Hitting, choking, or causing physical harm.
  • Emotional and verbal abuse: Manipulation, threats, or insults designed to break down someone’s self-esteem.
  • Psychological control: Gaslighting, isolation, or coercion.
  • Financial control: Restricting access to money or resources.
  • Sexual coercion: Forcing unwanted sexual acts.
Infographic with the definition of domestic violence, including types of domestic violence, and resources for anyone experiencing domestic violence.
Safe Keeping Podcast Icon

🎧 Want to learn more about the different types of abuse? Listen to Episode 3 of our podcast, Safe Keeping, where we dive deeper into this important topic. 

Understanding the Impact Across Demographics

Although domestic violence can impact anyone, certain populations are more vulnerable. Recognizing how domestic violence affects different communities is crucial to ensuring equitable support and culturally sensitive resources.

These statistics demonstrate the diverse ways in which domestic violence affects different communities and highlight the need for culturally competent, inclusive resources to address this widespread issue.

Domestic Violence & Hispanic Communities:

Hispanic teens are 60% more likely to attempt suicide than their non-Hispanic white peers, particularly when exposed to domestic violence

(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health)

Domestic Violence & Black Women:

1 in 4 Black women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

Black women are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by men than white women (Institute for Women’s Policy Research).

Systemic barriers, including racism and socioeconomic challenges, make it more difficult for Black survivors to access support.

Domestic Violence & Native American and Alaskan Native Women:

More than 4 in 5 Native American women have experienced violence, and 55% have experienced intimate partner violence (National Congress of American Indians).

Complex legal and systemic challenges often hinder Native American communities’ ability to access support and justice.

Domestic Violence & LGBTQ+ Communities:

44% of lesbian women and 61% of bisexual women experience domestic violence.

37% of bisexual men report experiencing abuse, often from male partners (NCADV).

1 in 3 transgender individuals are at risk of domestic abuse during their lifetime (Human Rights Campaign, 2022).

Domestic Violence & Women with Disabilities:

Women with disabilities experience domestic violence at rates 40% higher than women without disabilities (End Abuse of People with Disabilities).

Unique risks include caregiver abuse and additional barriers to accessing support services.

Domestic Violence & Children:

1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2022).

Witnessing domestic violence can double a child’s risk of developing anxiety or PTSD.

Recognizing the Signs of Abuse

Abuse can often be difficult to recognize, especially in relationships where power and control are involved. Here are some common signs that may indicate an abusive relationship:

  • Extreme Jealousy: Constantly accusing you of being unfaithful or questioning who you spend time with
  • Possessiveness: Acting as if they “own” you, controlling what you wear, where you go and who you see.
  • Isolation: Cutting you off from friends, family, or social activities. They may guilt you into staying home or discourage you from seeing others.
  • Constant Criticism: Regularly belittling you, calling you names, or making you feel worthless. They may make you doubt your self-worth or abilities.
  • Blaming You for Their Behavior: Saying things like, “If you didn’t do that, I wouldn’t have gotten triggered,” or blaming you for their problems or bad mood.
  • Unpredictable Mood Swings: Switching from being loving and caring to angry and violent without warning. You might feel like you’re “walking on eggshells”. 

Are you or someone you know affected by domestic violence?

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to reach out for immediate help and support. Abusive behavior will often escalate over time, and early intervention is key to preventing further harm.

Remember, there is help and abuse is never your fault.

What a Healthy Relationship Looks Like

A healthy relationship is one built on mutual respect, trust, and open communication. At Margaret’s Place, we teach students how to recognize the qualities of a healthy relationship to help them avoid or leave abusive situations, but these signs are important to spot at any age. Here are some characteristics of a healthy relationship:

  • Mutual respect for each other’s feelings and boundaries
  • Open, honest communication without fear of judgment
  • Equal decision-making and shared responsibilities
  • Support for each other’s growth and well-being

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their relationships.

Challenge yourself this Domestic Violence Awareness Month with our Healthy Relationship Challenge, or download our healthy relationship guide for more activities. 

Suggestions for how to create a healthy releationships

How to Talk About and Support Victims of Domestic Violence

Starting conversations about domestic violence can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to foster understanding and create safer spaces for all. Whether you’re communicating with children, teens, friends, or seeking help yourself, here’s how to approach these important discussions during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and beyond.

 

Communicating with Younger Children (Elementary Age)

When talking with younger children, it’s important to focus on concepts like kindness, empathy, and safety. For example, discuss the importance of respect for others’ personal boundaries in an age-appropriate way, helping children understand that everyone deserves to feel safe and valued.

Example: “Respecting someone’s “no” is a part of showing kindness and care. We should always be kind and never hurt others.”

A helpful tool is the book A Terrible Thing Happened, which helps children process trauma in an age-appropriate way.

Similarly, our Conversation Cards for Children provide prompts to start meaningful discussions about feelings and safety. Save, print, and cut into cards for use at home or in the classroom.

Conversation cards to help have discussions with your child about domestic violence.

Communicating with Teens and High School Students

Teens require more direct conversations about healthy relationships, consent, and boundaries. To illustrate, use real-life scenarios or media they are familiar with to explain the importance of mutual respect and safety in relationships.

Example: “In a healthy relationship, both people should feel respected and safe. If you feel scared or controlled, it’s important to reach out for help.”

In addition, our video, “Understanding Domestic Violence: A Guide for Parents”, offers guidance on how to approach these conversations with your teenager, empowering them to recognize unhealthy behaviors and seek help if necessary.

How to Get Involved During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Whether you are a student, educator, or supporter, everyone can play a role in creating safer, braver spaces this Domestic Violence Awareness Month. View upcoming events and ways to get involved below:

NYC Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events:

A full list of Domestic Violence Awareness Month events happening throughout New York City.

View the New York Calendar.

California Partnership to End Domestic Violence Events:

Find Domestic Violemce Awarenss Month events across California that promote awareness and action.

View the California Calendar.

Running Your Own Domestic Violence Awareness Month Campaign

Throughout the month, our Margaret’s Place counselors and Peer Leaders will be leading school-wide campaigns, promoting respect, healthy relationships, and raising awareness about domestic violence. Even if your school or community doesn’t have a Margaret’s Place program, you can still make an impact by running your own Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Set a Goal: Define the focus of your campaign, whether it’s promoting healthy relationships, mental health, or domestic violence awareness.
  2. Engage Your Community: Plan events, distribute flyers, and use social media to raise awareness. Encourage participation through events, workshops, or activities.
  3. Create Materials: Get creative with social media graphics, posters, and videos to make your message impactful.
  4. Collaborate with Peers: Work with your student body or local organizations to amplify your campaign’s reach.

For more detailed steps and ideas, check out our Campaign Tip Sheet.

Remember, you don’t need to be part of Margaret’s Place to make a difference!

Campaign Tips for running your own Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign at your school or in your community

Resources

If you or someone you know needs help, there are many trusted resources available that offer support for individuals affected by domestic violence. These organizations provide culturally relevant and trauma-informed care:

www.thehotline.org

Call (800) 799-7233 or text “START” to 88788 for confidential support 24/7.

www.nami.org

Mental health resources tailored to the Hispanic/Latino community.

988lifeline.org

Bilingual crisis support for individuals in need.

www.jedfoundation.org

Mental health resources for teens and young adults, with specific resources for Hispanic and Latino communities.

www.loveisrespect.org

Support and resources for teens and young adults navigating relationships.

www.acalltomen.org

Empowering men and boys to promote healthy, respectful relationships and end violence against women.

nomoredirectory.org

A global directory of domestic and sexual violence helplines and services

joetorre.org/resources

Explore a wide array of support materials for youth, teachers, and parents.

Domestic violence is an issue that affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, lets educate ourselves, further support those in need, and raise awareness, so that together, we can create a future where everyone feels safer and braver.

Explore more resources.

author avatar
Brianna Arnolde