Domestic Violence Awareness Month

It is October, which means it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is held each October as a way to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence.

The color to wear this month will be purple to support all survivors, or current victims.

I personally, love October in general as a month, and it is the month of my father and my daughter's birthday. But October means so much more to me, than just my crazy obsession with Halloween. October is a month that we get to stand out with pride and be more in people's face about the realistic side of domestic violence. The fact that domestic violence is NOT just physical. Domestic violence has multiple forms, and are as follows:

• Control

• Physical Abuse

• Sexual Abuse

• Emotional Abuse & Intimidation

• Isolation

• Verbal Abuse: Coercion, Threats, & Blame

• Using Male Privilege

• Economic Abuse

I feel as if more people were aware of the fact that it is not just physical then people would stop victim blaming. Victim blaming breaks my heart more than most things. Victim blaming allows people to believe that such events could never happen to them. The things that perpetrators and abusers CHOOSE to do, have nothing to do with the victim, as they are that, a victim.

If you have questions or concerns, or feel like you are not safe, please reach out to your local shelter because they have a whole team trained to help you. You are NOT alone.