October is National Domestic / Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, also known as Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month. Approximately one in three women, and one in four men will experience some form of intimate partner dating violence or domestic violence in their lifetime. It is very likely that someone you know is a survivor or may be suffering in silence.

The word "violence" can come across to some as explicitly meaning physical abuse which can make it hard for people to either come forward and get help or to even identify that this may be happening in their relationship or to a loved one or friend. The signs generally appear slowly over time, thus making it more challenging to notice or perhaps easier to brush off with the day to day business of life. They can even come across as the feeling that your partner just cares really strongly about you and what you do because they love you so much. We found that this article from Daysoftheyear.com offers a good overview of  the different ways this can manifest, including physical violence, forced rules that control and socially or physically isolate, emotional abuse such as degrading name calling or threats, and financial abuse such as controlling or severely limiting access to money or finances. 

It can be difficult to know what to do, whether you are a victim yourself or know someone who may be one.  We at the EAP have put together a list of resources for yourself or anyone you may suspect could benefit from support around intimate partner violence/domestic violence and or abuse. 

 

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.  Services rendered in English, Spanish, and with 200+ more languages available via in-call translator service.
• The Massachusetts State Domestic Violence Hotline, also known as SAFELINK, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-877-785-2020.  Individuals in distress can speak with a domestic violence advocate for support and resources.  This resource is operated locally through Casa Myrna, one of the largest Boston area organizations serving survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. 
• The State of Massachusetts main website offers a searchable database of services by county, as well as this list of transitional residential domestic violence programs for those who may not have a safe home or space to stay in or relocate to. 
• The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has this page of resources and important phone numbers.
• The National Resource Center for Domestic Violence offers more resources for support and education.
• The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center is a strong local community center available for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. 
• Fenway Health’s Violence Recovery Program, which features a consult hotline, is available to survivors, focusing as a support for LGBTQ+ intimate partner violence survivors. 
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Center for Violence Recovery:  This trauma-informed center assists in healing from all forms of violence including domestic violence, with a stated focus on services to the BIPOC community
• DOVE: Domestic Violence Ended is a local state organization that serves survivors and providers alike. This page includes a hotline with free and confidential advocate support at 617-471-1234.
• Jane Doe Massachusetts Coalition against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence is another local resource that offers helpful information and links for survivors.
• The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) has a searchable directory of resources by state for those who are actively in crisis or survivors looking for support networks. 
• Family and Community Resources INC offers resources and information for survivors each year, be sure to check out its upcoming 5K Walk for Survivor Safety and Community Cultural Fair October 14^th.
• The Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center is also continuing its annual walk against domestic violence, October 1^st in Newburyport from 8-11 am.
• The Central Massachusetts YMCA also offers a yearly calendar of events commemorating domestic violence awareness month and supporting community survivors. 

As always, feel free to reach out to us at the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for further support, or if you feel we can offer more resources. Have a safe and healthy October.