October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
According to statistics from the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, an estimated 8.5 million women and over 4 million men are victims of rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime and first experience these or other forms of violence by that partner before the age of 18.
While domestic violence can happen in any relationship, the majority of victims who report violence are women abused by male partners or ex-partners.
Domestic Violence Impact
- A woman is far more likely to be killed by her spouse, an intimate acquaintance, or a family member than by a stranger.3
- Women of color are disproportionately impacted by domestic violence. Lifetime prevalence of experiencing contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner is 57% among multi-racial women, 48% among American Indian/Alaska Native women, 45% among non-Hispanic Black women, 37% among non-Hispanic White women, 34% among Hispanic women, and 18% among Asian-Pacific Islander women.4
We spoke with advocate and domestic violence survivor, Leslie Washington about how to recognize the signs of domestic violence, important resources for those impacted by domestic violence, and how to be an ally for those dealing with these issues.
Regionally in Southeast Missouri, SEMO-NASV provides multiple resources for children and adults who have experienced sexual violence or child physical abuse.
The Safe House of Southeast Missouri also provides resources for those seeking shelter from domestic violence and abuse.
Earlier in the month of October, The Safe House of Southeast Missouri hosted VintageNOW, which is an annual fundraiser to provide support services to those impacted by domestic abuse.
On their Facebook page, they reported raising over $169,500 in net proceeds for the Safe House of Southeast Missouri after the event on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
