October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and you know what that means! It’s time to Step Up and Speak Out to end violence.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which was begun in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country.
Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. It’s not just punches and black eyes -- it’s yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation. It’s stealing a paycheck, keeping tabs online, non-stop texting, constant use of the silent treatment, or calling someone stupid so often they believe it. (breakthecycle.org)
Did you know?
- In 2017, 136 females were killed in Texas by an intimate partner. (Texas Council on Family Violence)
- On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
- On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
- Children who are exposed to domestic violence experience trauma from the physical and verbal abuse in the home. And 30% to 60% of perpetrators of domestic violence abuse children in the household. (NCCADV)
- Fort Bend Women’s Center has served more than 50,000 survivors – women, men and children - since 1980.
These statistics can be difficult to realize and you may be wondering what you can do to make a difference. It starts with Awareness, then taking action. Here are a few things that you could consider doing to TAKE ACTION for survivors of domestic violence:
- Attend one of our fundraising events. From Luncheons with Celebrity Advocate Guest Speakers to Golf Tournaments and Anniversary Celebrations! See a list of upcoming fundraisers here.
- Follow us on Social Media during Domestic Violence Awareness Action Week October 20 – October 26. We will be posting one cool idea everyday of how you can give back to survivors.
- If you are near downtown Houston, visit the OKRA Charity Saloon. It is located at 924 Congress Street. This is a fabulous spot that chooses 4 charities a month that patrons can vote for. The charity with the most votes wins the next month’s proceeds! And Fort Bend Women’s Center is one of the chosen 4 for October 2019. So, head over for a great atmosphere with awesome food and drinks and vote for us!
- Register for the annual Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office Fun Run – Running Against Violence on November 2nd. Donations will be collected for survivors and we will be there to spread the awareness. Register here.
- You can make a quick online donation to support our programs and services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. To donate, click here.
- Get involved by volunteering your time. Fill out our Volunteer Application here and get involved directly with our cause.
- Cleaning out your closet? Donate those gently used items to your local PennyWise Resale Store. All donations and proceeds help to provide services for our clients. See locations here or schedule a pickup today.
Whether big or small, every action makes a difference in a survivor’s life. Together, we can change lives and end the violence one family at a time.
