Everyone Knows Someone: Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

By Sarah DiNunzio, A New Hope Center, and TC Mental Health Subcommittee —

What started as a single “Day of Unity” in 1981 evolved into a month-long opportunity to raise awareness of domestic abuse when Congress officially designated October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” (DVAM) in 1989. DVAM serves to educate and advocate for ending all forms of intimate partner abuse, to uplift and celebrate survivors, and to mourn those lost to domestic violence. The color purple, used throughout DVAM, has come to symbolize hope, courage, and peace for domestic violence survivors. 

The theme for this year’s DVAM is “Everyone Knows Someone.” Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive, controlling behavior used by one person against their partner and can include physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, and other forms of abuse. While we often immediately think of physical abuse, domestic violence encompasses much more: threats, manipulation, humiliation, controlling finances, isolation, and other tactics to gain power and control. According to the CDC, nearly half of all adults in the United States have reported sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. These statistics don’t include verbal and mental abuse. With such high rates of abuse being perpetrated, it is reasonable to say we all know someone who has been impacted by domestic violence.

How can you get involved in DVAM? On Thursday, Oct. 16, wear purple in honor of #PurpleThursday. Take a photo and tag A New Hope Center on Facebook to demonstrate your support. 

Throughout October, “In the Spirit of Safety,” visit local restaurants throughout Tioga County for purple drink specials, with proceeds benefiting A New Hope Center. 

Throughout October, “Shine the Light on DV.” Look for purple lights illuminating the Tioga County Courthouse and our local towns. 

Contact A New Hope Center for additional ways to support the work to end domestic violence by visiting www.anewhopecenter.org, or calling the 24-Hour Hotline at (607) 687-6866.