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Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Each year, the month of October is designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is a time for increasing awareness and knowledge of domestic violence, educating people on how to recognize the signs, and helping those impacted. In this article, we’ll discuss why Domestic Violence Awareness Month is important, and how relief funds can help provide crucial financial assistance.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence — also referred to as domestic abuse — is a pattern of behavior in a relationship where one partner intentionally harms another. This abuse can take various forms, including physical, psychological, verbal, financial, cultural, and sexual abuse. It can also extend to other individuals like children, relatives, or other household members.
Why National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Is Important
Each October, the United States observes National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month is crucial for raising awareness about the abuse many individuals face daily. Over 10 million people are affected by domestic violence each year in the U.S., with as many as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men being victims. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with domestic violence cases increasing by 25%-33% globally. In fact, in just the past three years alone, Emergency Assistance Foundation has provided over $1.7 million in financial assistance to over 1,140 survivors of domestic violence.
Additional Statistics on Domestic Violence
United States
- An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, totaling over 12 million men and women annually.
- Nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by a partner.
- 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
- Psychological aggression by an intimate partner has been experienced by almost half of all women and men in the U.S.
Workplace Impact
- Nearly 8 million lost days of paid work each year are attributed to domestic violence issues, equivalent to over 32,000 full-time jobs.
- A staggering 96% of employed domestic violence victims experience problems at work due to the abuse.
In addition to the abuse they suffer, many of those impacted also struggle with removing themselves from the abusive situation, finding safety, and starting over. There are many resources available to assist you in leaving abusive situations and knowing who to turn to when you need help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of domestic violence, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233 or texting “START” to 88788.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month also presents an opportunity for others to learn about what they can do to help those impacted by domestic abuse. For organizations looking to help team members who may be struggling through a domestic violence situation, establishing a relief fund is a way to provide critical financial assistance to impacted individuals when they need it most.
I was in an abusive relationship and had to leave for my safety. Thanks to my employer sponsoring this relief fund, I was able to get a place of my own. To those who have donated to this fund, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would have been homeless without this grant. There are no words to express how grateful I am.
I applied for the grant because I had to leave an abusive relationship quickly and relocate for both me and my child’s safety. This created a very bad financial strain and I needed help as after the move, I had no money for essentials. This grant made it possible for me to take care of my living expenses for another month and still be able to afford to buy my daughter a crib, mattress, and groceries. Thank you so much for the thought and action of donating to make this relief fund possible. The impact and support this fund offers is worth the investment and its everyday people like me really appreciate this so much!
How Establishing a Relief Fund Can Help Your Team Members Who Are Impacted By Domestic Violence
Providing financial assistance to survivors of domestic violence is key to helping them get back on their feet after leaving an abusive situation. Many survivors often face unforeseen financial hardships, including the cost of food, shelter, and other expenses as they work to rebuild their lives.
Organizations can provide this vital assistance by establishing a relief fund with Emergency Assistance Foundation and including domestic abuse as a qualified event. More than half (56%) of the relief funds we administer include domestic abuse within the fund’s grant criteria, allowing team members to apply for related financial assistance.
If your organization is interested in establishing a relief fund, consider establishing a fund with Emergency Assistance Foundation today. As a financial first responder, we are resourceful and fearless in ensuring that financial assistance reaches individuals in need, no matter the unique circumstances.
By establishing a fund with us today, your organization can assist members of your team affected by domestic violence and other disasters and hardships. Relief fund grants can help impacted individuals during difficult times and empower them to start on the path toward recovery. If you’d like to learn more, you can review additional information about how a fund works or contact us today. We look forward to helping you make a difference for those who need it most!
