October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims. Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.
Although there has been substantial progress in reducing domestic violence, 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. Millions of Americans live in daily, silent fear within their own homes. In addition, every year millions of children are exposed to domestic violence. Domestic violence incidents affect every person within a home and can have long-lasting negative effects on children’s emotional well-being, and social and academic functioning.
The Hispanic Health Council will be hosting a series of events throughout the month the October.
See bellow a calendar of events.
History Of Purple Thursday
For many years, the color purple symbolized the qualities of survival, courage, peace, ambition, independence, and wisdom. That is why National Domestic Violence Awareness month has taken on the color purple to spread awareness and stand united against domestic, spousal, teen-dating, and intimate partner violence.
During the month of October, the color purple can be seen across agencies and on advocates and survivors as a symbol to exhibit solidarity and facilitate a conversation around an important topic. Domestic violence is not racist, ableist, or sexist. It is a beast that can impact all nationalities and relationships, across different religions, cultures, and class statuses. It takes on many forms, including physical, financial, sexual, mental, and emotional violence and abuse. It can be seen as humiliation, coercion, yelling, threatening, undermining, stealing or withholding a paycheck, and/or keeping tabs on a person’s whereabouts and much more. It tears apart families, becomes isolating, destroys trust, and chips away at a person’s self-esteem. Domestic violence can be debilitating to all those who encounter it, but that does not mean a victim cannot escape.
This October 19, the Hispanic Health Council has organized a community walk to raise awareness and show support for those who have experienced domestic violence.
Join us!!
TOGETHER WE CAN HELP END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!!
CT Domestic Violence Resources:
Connecticut Domestic Violence Hotline
You can be immediately connected with services in your area by calling the toll free domestic violence hotline:
Statewide 24 Hour Toll Free Hotline
1-888-774-2900 English
1-844-831-9200 Spanish
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) Services
All domestic violence advocacy services are free and confidential.
Log into: http://www.ctcadv.org/
Connecticut Sexual Assault Hotline
You can be immediately connected with services in your area by calling the toll free sexual assault hotline:
Statewide 24 Hour Toll Free Hotline
1-888-999-5545 English
1-888-568-8332 Spanish
Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence
All sexual assault advocacy services are free and confidential.
Log into: https://endsexualviolencect.org/
State of Connecticut, Office of the Victim Advocate (OVA)
Log into: https://www.ct.gov/ova/site/default.asp
The Office of the Victim Advocate (OVA), is an independent state agency that monitors and evaluates how victims are treated by the criminal justice system in Connecticut. Please visit the OVA website for information on victim’s rights and investigational reports.