9 seconds.
That’s how often a woman in America is beaten or assaulted.
October has been recognized as Natural Domestic Violence Awareness Month since 1987. It started from the Day of Unity held in October of 1981. This day had underlying themes of paying observance to those who have passed from domestic violence, celebrating survivors, and making connections to try to help end domestic violence. Natural Domestic Violence Awareness Month has since held core values similar to these. However, what is most startling is it seems like these numbers aren’t changing and domestic violence is growing far worse.
Today, over 20,000 calls will be placed to domestic abuse hotlines. And tomorrow as well. And any day of the week after that.
Domestic violence has become famous in our news headlines. Everyday, we see cases upon cases of yet another assault. In 2014, we famously saw a video of star NFL running back Ray Rice assaulting his fiancee at the time in an elevator. Most recently in our own community, we are following the case of Alina Sheykhet: A Pitt student found murdered after having a PFA against her ex boyfriend taken out only weeks before.
However, headlines only do so much. Change won’t happen unless we start it. We need to be the leaders, the ones who speak out against the wrongdoing that is being placed upon men and women alike, everyday.
One step is to start with those around us. If you see red flags surrounding a friend or family member, such as isolation, physical marks, or nervousness around their significant other, they may be a victim. As far as ways you can help, the first thing you can do is ask. Sometimes a victim realizing that people are noticing can be enough to want to make them disclose. However, it is important to know that you cannot force them to leave a situation, and you can not belittle them for not leaving either. Show you care and support your friend through love. Finally, if and when they decide they are ready to leave, help them to find resources available. Whether it be a local women’s shelter for battered women, a church who provides services, or a domestic abuse hotline, any information can be helpful in this difficult process.
However, the biggest step is to convince policymakers to help change, and encourage change. We must encourage them to keep funding programs for victims of domestic abuse. We must protest the flaws of our law system and make the penalties firm. Finally, we must encourage lawmakers to help women become more economically independent, so they can financially stand on their own when they must leave dangerous situations.