The Importance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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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 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.
Domestic violence—also referred to as domestic abuse—is a pattern of behavior in a relationship in which one partner intentionally harms another partner. It can also involve other individuals, including children, relatives, or other household members. Domestic abuse can take many different forms, including physical, psychological, verbal, financial, cultural, and sexual abuse.
Why Is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Important?
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is important because it raises awareness about the abuse many individuals face each day. In fact, over 10 million people are affected by domestic violence each year in the United States, with as many as 1 in every 4 women and 1 in every 9 men being victims of domestic violence.
The frequency of domestic violence was also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and rose to record levels, as domestic violence cases increased by 25%-33% around the world.
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 also other 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 at 800-799-7233.
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 a victim of domestic violence – this grant helped my family become one again. After leaving and facing homelessness for a time, I was finally able to get my own apartment to bring my family home. Thank you for making life a little easier for me.
I was in a physically abusive marriage with a husband who has a history of domestic violence. When I filed for divorce, he left and took all of his financial resources. He was the sole income for myself and our two children. The grant was able to help me with a house payment, daycare, groceries, and utilities.
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 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!
