October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), and this year’s theme is With Survivors, Always. DVAM is a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence.
“This year’s theme helps all of us to understand and be a part of each survivor’s journey toward safety and support,” said Lori Gonzalez, Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) Vice President of Advocacy Services. “It Is a call to action for everyone involved in advocating for the needs and rights of survivors of Domestic Violence.”
Domestic Violence (DV) is a violent crime and can happen to anyone of any age, race, or sexual orientation. It is a term used synonymously with intimate partner violence (IPV), which involves a spouse or an intimate partner. It also includes violence against the elderly, children, and parents.
“Domestic Violence comes in many forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual,” said Gonzalez. “Other types of DV includeb financial, emotional, and digital abuse; stalking, and sexual and reproductive coercion.” Gonzalez also stated that we can add Human Trafficking to the evergrowing list of forms of domestic violence.
Unfortunately, Oklahoma ranks very high for Domestic Violence and DV-related homicides. According to the latest statistics, approximately 40.1% of women and 37.8% of men, in Oklahoma, experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
“Oklahoma ranks #2 in both Domestic Violence and Domestic Violence- related homicides,” Gonzalez said.
Oklahoma has been ranked, by the Violence Policy Center, in the top 10 states for women murdered by men 15 times in past 25 years.
“Another disturbing trend is that of strangulation. It is not always fatal, but often causes long-lasting injuries and trauma,” said Gonzalez. “A study of seven Oklahoma Police jurisdictions, funded by the National Institute of Justice, found that 80% of women abused by their partner had been strangled during that relationship.”
There are many ways to help survivors of DV. Gonzalez suggests educating yourself and others, listening without judgement, and encouraging those affected to seek out professional support.
“We have to break the silence surrounding Domestic Violence and help those affected by it in any way that we can,” said Gonzalez. “We also have to address the isolation that DV can cause, especially in the more rural areas.”
Respecting a survivor’s boundaries is also of the utmost importance, she added. “There is no typical situation,” she said. “Each survivor’s situation is different, as is their journey toward safety, and we need to be sure we are advocating in a manner that best serves the survivor, according to their individual situation.” Every October, organizations and individuals unite across the country for a national effort to uplift the needs, voices, and experiences of survivors.
Congress declared the month of October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989, and every October, organizations and individuals unite across the country for a national effort to uplift the needs, voices, and experiences of survivors.
DVIS serves Tulsa and Creek counties, and you can reach them at their 24-hour Helpline: 918-7HELP-ME (918-743-5763). You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-7997233.