Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Trigger Warning: This article discusses domestic violence.

October is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness month. Alternatively, domestic violence is also known as intimate partner abuse. 

The CU Boulder Office of Victim Assistance defines intimate partner abuse as “a pattern of one person inflicting emotional and/or physical pain on another in order to control their present or former partner. Abuse can take many forms; emotional, psychological, financial, physical, reproductive, and sexual pattern of one person inflicting emotional and/or physical pain on another in order to control their present or former partner.”

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience, “severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, PTSD, use of victim services, contraction of STDs, and more.” Additionally, the Coalition reports that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience severe physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner, including burning and strangling. In light of recent passing and failure to pass “red flag laws” in certain counties and states, the NCADV reports that the presence of a gun in domestic violence increases the risk of homicide by an astounding 500 percent. 

Multiple local organizations in Boulder provide outreach and resources to survivors of domestic violence, namely Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence and Moving to End Sexual Assault. The SPAN website provides helpful resources for people who suspect that they or their friend may be in an abusive relationship. In addition to this, SPAN offers a crisis hotline and shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, housing programs, anti-violence education, and safety planning information. SPAN also hosts events that build community for survivors, raise money for the organization, and spread awareness. SPAN accepts both monetary donations and item donations, and also offers sponsoring and volunteer opportunities. 

MESA mainly focuses on sexual violence, since domestic violence can often include sexual violence and abuse. They also offer a crisis hotline, victim advocacy, individual and group therapy, holistic services, prevention education and training, and volunteer opportunities. MESA also accepts donations via their website. 

If you or someone you know has experienced or is experiencing domestic violence, please visit the link here to explore your options regarding medical care, reporting, support and other resources.