Every October, organizations like FSC direct their outreach efforts toward an issue that impacts countless lives but frequently hides behind closed doors: domestic violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) serves as a reminder of the need to break the silence and actively support survivors.
This year, FSC embraces the theme “Domestic Violence is more than just a number.” This theme emphasizes the importance of delving into the stories and questions that lurk behind statistics, revealing the complex challenges survivors confront.
In 2021, the National Domestic Violence Hotline conducted a survey to explore survivors’ experiences with law enforcement. The survey found that “1 in 3 victims felt less safe after calling law enforcement about the abuse.” The survey included 1,500 participants, with approximately 82% being survivors who had contacted the police regarding incidents of intimate partner violence or sexual assault, while 12% had not. Surprisingly, both groups expressed significant concerns about seeking help from the police and held reservations about doing so in the future.
“This statistic starkly illustrates that domestic abuse survivors primarily turn to law enforcement out of necessity, highlighting the pressing need to explore alternatives.” said Evania Norman, FSC’s Director of Counseling Programs. “It serves as a strong reminder that we should seek responses to violence that genuinely address survivors’ requirements for justice and safety. These responses should encompass a broad spectrum of support, including social services, mental health assistance, community interventions, housing solutions, financial support, and additional resources.”
Throughout October, FSC will utilize our social media platforms and website to investigate various domestic violence statistics, unveiling the narratives and questions concealed behind the cold, hard figures. We invite you to join us on our journey by following our updates on Facebook, Instagram, and our website at familysunshine.org.
By delving deeper into these statistics and narratives, we hope to foster greater understanding, empathy, and, most importantly, drive positive change in our communities. Domestic violence transcends mere statistics; it is a collective challenge that necessitates a collective effort to address.
