We all deserve to live safe and free from domestic violence

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Healthy Acadia joins others across the nation to raise awareness about domestic violence.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the 'Day of Unity' in October 1981 observed by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). The intent was to connect advocates across the nation 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. The activities conducted were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had common themes: mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence.” -- From “Domestic Violence Awareness Month History” by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, who adapted it from NCADV’s 1996 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resource Manual.

One of the most dangerous and insidious truths about domestic violence is it's easy to ignore if it's not visible. Everybody recognizes physical violence as a potential sign of domestic violence, but what about name-calling? Controlling a bank account? Refusing to use birth control? Domestic violence harms more than victims. It harms communities and our nation as a whole.

Every day, over 19,000 calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines in the U.S. Healthy Acadia joins the thousands of voices committed to seeing a national culture where we are all safe, empowered, and free from domestic violence. Join us this October and share #WeAreResilient! NCADV.org/2022DVAM.

If you are experiencing abuse or want to support someone who is, call the NextStep Domestic Violence Project’s confidential 24/7 Helpline, 1–800–315–5579. 24/7 Línea telefónica de Ayuda – diga idioma para interprete,

or reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat online at thehotline.org.

Corey Blake