Everyone knows that October is breast cancer awareness month as a result of the various philanthropies that go on throughout the entirety of this month. Bake sales flood the Student Union patio, and nearly everyone is aware of the significance of that tiny pink ribbon we pin to our chests –– and rightfully so, because breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women.
What far fewer people seem to remember during October is the wearing of purple ribbons which represent Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is commemorated every October by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
"Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and in severe cases, even death. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime." National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Did you know?
Most domestic violence cases are never reported.
On average, nearly 20 people per minute in the U.S. are victims of physical violence by an intimate partner. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
One in three women, and one in four men will experience some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.
Intimate partner violence accounts for 15 percent of all violent crime.
Intimate partner violence is most common among women between the ages of 18 and 24.
Every year, one in three women who are victims of homicide are murdered by a current or former partner.
Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes.
Children who live in homes where there is domestic violence also suffer abuse or neglect at high rates (30 percent to 60 percent).
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness among families.
Without help, girls who witness domestic violence are more vulnerable to abuse as teens and adults. Without help, boys who witness domestic violence are far more likely to become abusers of their partners and/or children as adults, thus continuing the cycle of violence in the next generation.
Domestic violence costs more than $37 billion a year in law enforcement involvement, legal work, medical and mental health treatment, and lost productivity at companies.
If you need help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.