October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989 by an act of the US Congress. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge and advocate for survivors and their families. Domestic violence happens in all communities, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.
In the United States, an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually; 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner. In addition, every year millions of children are exposed to domestic violence. Domestic violence incidents affect every person within a home. Being witness to domestic violence has lasting effects on a child’s emotional well-being, and social and academic functioning.
Family of Woodstock opened the first domestic violence shelter between New York and Albany in 1980. The Washbourne House has operated 24/7 ever since. In addition, Family offers Non-Residential counseling by our trained Domestic Violence services staff.
This year, our Non-Res DV team has created shirts that call attention to Domestic Violence as a major issue affecting so many people throughout our community. The shirts also provide a phone number people can call if they are experiencing domestic violence, or want more information about domestic violence services. Please consider purchasing a shirt to raise awareness of this issue and support our services.
To Order Shirts, click here.
