City Council Council recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness month

October has been designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States of America since 1981. Domestic violence includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional abuse and the frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically.



Since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act in Congress in 1994 much progress has been made on this crucial issue, with the overall rate of domestic violence in the country dropping by nearly two thirds from the passage of that law to 2010.



Unfortunately, more than 10 million Americans per year still fall victim to domestic violence, and in Massachusetts alone, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men have suffered some type of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner. There are an average of 15 domestic violence-related deaths each year.



Additionally, as a result of the social isolation, financial distress, and increases in unemployment and those working from home as a result of COVID-19, there has been a rise in domestic violence rates and there are fears those numbers do not represent the full scope of the problem as victims are unable to leave home.



It is critical that residents are aware of the wide variety services and resources available to them and their families, including but not limited to domestic violence victim support groups, shelters, and counseling, so that all Boston residents may live without the fear of violence in their lives.



Last week, the Council recognized the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness month and reaffirmed their commitment to combating domestic violence, and supporting and seeking justice for victims.