October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the "Day of Unity" in October 1981 conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nations who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national levels.

In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline. In 1989 the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since with NCADV providing key leadership in this effort. Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic violence is best understood as a pattern of abusive behaviors -- including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic coercion -- used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship. Batterers use of a range of tactics to frighten, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, often injure, and sometimes kill a current or former intimate partner.

How do I know if I'm a victim? Click here to read more.

The Fleet & Family Support Center will be displaying multiple signs of support for the prevention of Domestic Violence as well as acknowledgement of victims onboard NAS Lemoore throughout the month of October. 

Purple ribbons: A visible sign of support for survivors and victims of domestic abuse will be displayed throughout the base all month long.

Clothesline display: A visual display that bears witness to the violence against women. A clothesline will be displayed hung with t-shirts that represent an individual victim's experience. The clothesline will be displayed at the NEX, Commissary, Farmer's market, and Lincolnfest on October 6.

               

Empty place at the table:  Domestic violence creates a painful void--a permanent empty place at the table for families whose loved ones were killed at the hands of abusers. A unique exhibit captures this reality and offers a reminder of the lethality of domestic violence. This display will be set up at the FFSC all month.

               

Silent witnesses: These silhouettes represent a person who was murdered in an act of domestic violence. Each personal story is displayed on each red witness. The goal of the Silent Witness Exhibit is to stop domestic violence by helping to visualize the problem and move the community to action.  

Yard signs: Symbols of unity against domestic violence in our community. Look of for these in the housing areas on base.  

If you have any questions about Domestic Violence Awareness Month, or if you are in need of Domestic Violence services, please call 559-998-4787.  To report abuse, call the 24/7 Hotline at 559-309-5181.