Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Time to Flip the Script | PSJ

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors of domestic violence and the advocates who serve them, and pay tribute to people who have lost their lives to domestic violence. This year, Domestic Violence Awareness Month calls on Oregonians to Flip the Script?by reframing common myths about domestic violence, we can change the conditions that lead to unhealthy relationships and eliminate victim-blaming messages that lead to, and come from, oppression.

Did You Know?

While crime in general has decreased in recent years, domestic violence related murders have increased. News stories reflect that over 100 Oregonians have lost their lives to domestic violence since 2009. A 2004 Department of Human Services report found that 1 in 10 Oregon women had been physically or sexually assaulted by an intimate partner during the previous 5 years. Nearly 1/3 of child welfare cases in Oregon involve domestic violence.

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Lifelines are Available.

Oregon?s domestic and sexual violence programs across the state are lifelines to domestic violence victims and their children. Programs provide victims the tools necessary to become survivors?shelter, safety planning, counseling, medical accompaniment, and legal advocacy.

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Crisis lines are ringing off the hook, answering over 175,000 calls for help in 2011. In response to these calls, programs sheltered 2,786 adults, 265 teens, and 1,956 children.

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But Not Everyone Can Access Safety.

The Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund (ODSVS) literally saves vulnerable Oregonians? lives, but is severely under-resourced. In 2011, over 20,600 requests for shelter from violence could not be met because of a lack of resources.

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You Can Help.

Do you know someone who is being abused? Listen. Provide non-judgmental love and support. Encourage your friend to contact the Statewide Crisis Number: 888.235.5333.

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And take the time to learn more about domestic violence, raise awareness about the services survivors need, and support Oregon?s network of lifesaving domestic and sexual violence services.

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For more information:

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Source: http://www.safetyandjustice.org/spotlight/2662

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