October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

(Hays, KS) - To many, October signifies the beginning of fall, trick-or-treaters, and even pumpkin spice lattes. But at Jana’s Campaign, October means so much more. It is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a nationally recognized effort to raise awareness of and take a stand against gender-based violence.

Domestic violence is one of society’s largest problems and yet, it hides in plain sight. It is often thought about in terms of physical violence, but other behaviors to exert power and control, such as isolation, extreme jealousy, and unpredictability, often begin long before any physical violence takes place. DVAM is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of these issues and share resources. According to the CDC, one in four women and one in ten men will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in their lifetime, and, on average, three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of status, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or culture.

The issue of domestic violence has plagued our country for many years, and much has been accomplished to decrease the instances, but we still have a long way to go. We need solutions that engage men and boys, stop victim-blaming, and hold perpetrators accountable. We need young people to be educated on healthy – and unhealthy – relationship behaviors. We need more citizens to learn about the complexities of the issue, ways they can effectively intervene, and how to support those in their lives that are experiencing violence in their relationships. And we need prevention.

Jana’s Campaign has pledged to provide information on our social media accounts about domestic violence throughout the month of October. Please follow Jana’s Campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to help us raise awareness and educate yourself and those around you about domestic violence. Together, we can take a stand. And together, we can prevent the violence before it starts.

Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence prevention organization with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims and survivors of gender and relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers comprehensive, evidence-based educational programming that prevents domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking. To learn more visit www.JanasCampaign.org.