Every October, Community Beyond Violence joins with advocates, survivors, and supporters across the nation to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.In 2021 in Western Nevada County:
*CBV served 618 survivors of domestic violence
*Nevada County Sheriff’s Department received 176 calls for domestic violence service
*Grass Valley Police Department received 94 domestic violence calls
These numbers, as large as they are, only paint a piece of the picture of how prevalent it is in our community. These numbers only include the cases that were actually reported by someone.
Everyone deserves safe, healthy, and respectful relationships. This month, let’s go beyond raising awareness about how often domestic violence occurs, and raise awareness of how we can prevent domestic violence. We can all do something to prevent domestic violence, whether that’s modeling healthy relationships, recognizing signs of unhealthy relationships, or learning how to support someone.
Here is how you can help the efforts this month:
- Share our graphics on social media. A quick action we can all take now is sharing information about resources on social media so people know where they can turn to for support. Those experiencing domestic violence can contact us at (530) 272-3467 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 at TheHotline.org or 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). Use the hashtag #Every1KnowsSome1. (Vi
sit our facebook page to easily share our DVAM posts) - Wear Purple on October 20th. #PurpleThursday, a day to show our solidarity with survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. Wearing purple on the 20th and post pics not only to spread awareness but to take action towards ending violence.
- Attend our Community Movie Showing. We will be hosting a viewing of the documentary “Private Violence” on October 18th. More information below.
- Share your story. We are honoring survivors by offering an opportunity for you to share your story of experience with violence. Sharing your story could be a step in your own self-healing or it could be a story of your journey from abuse to empowerment. Or maybe you find yourself still in an unhealthy relationship and just need to share it some how, some way, with someone. We invite you to share with us your story, whether it’s a short couple lines or a whole novel. We are here to listen. The first 150 submissions will receive a free CBV Tote Bag!
Violence grows in communities where it is accepted. By using these platforms, it shows others that violence isn’t acceptable and that we can all act by raising awareness about domestic violence, supporting survivors, and building healthy relationships.
With great hope and determination,
Stephanie Fischer
Executive Director