October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In a recent article, the U.S. Surgeon General declared domestic violence to be the number one health concern in our country today.  Domestic violence can be defined by a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one person to gain or maintain control over another. Some people may not even realize it is happening in their relationship. Yet, more than 10 million reported cases of domestic violence occur every year.  According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women, and one in four men have suffered some form of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner.

Domestic violence may occur in various forms that include: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, psychological abuse, threats, stalking, and cyber stalking.  You can review this guide to learn more about these forms of domestic violence.

For both victims and those who know a family or friend who may be in a domestic violence situation, it can be hard to know what to do, when to help, or how to feel.  It can be frightening, frustrating, and emotionally draining.  Highlighted below is a list of resources:  

• Jane Doe Massachusetts Coalition against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence offers helpful information and links.
• DOVE: Domestic Violence Ended is another organization that provides for both those in need and trainings for providers and local organizations.  
• The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) offers a searchable directory of resources for those in crisis. 
• An annual support walk against domestic violence is planned in Newburyport on October 14 from 8 - 11 a.m., organized through the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center.
• Mass.gov has a list of transitional residential domestic violence programs with contact information.
• If you wish to speak to someone directly, please call the Massachusetts State Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-785-2020.

For more access to domestic violence support services, you can find information on the Employee Assistance Program resource page.