Putting stop to generational cycles of abuse
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. Over the past four decades DVCC has achieved a great deal on behalf of domestic violence victims but, sadly, the problem of domestic violence remains pervasive, and there is still much work to be done.
When DVCC began in 1980, domestic violence was still considered “a family matter.” Shrouded in secrecy and shame, it was handled “in private,” too often with devastating results for victims. Our organization’s founders and early supporters were among the first to shine a spotlight on this issue locally, and assist victims in finding safety. Domestic violence advocates continue their work, supporting victims and building awareness, yet there remains much to do if we are to realize our goal of a future free from domestic abuse. So how do we achieve this?
It starts with an informed community — a community that understands the dynamics of domestic violence. One that educates and serves our young people, so generational cycles of abuse are broken, or prevented from happening in the first place. It requires a community that works together to break down the barriers faced by domestic violence victims. We know that while domestic violence is an equal opportunity offender — the path forward for victims is unique for every individual. Racial inequity and discrimination can create unique barriers to a victim’s ability to leave a dangerous situation. DVCC is committed to creating an environment of inclusivity where every victim of domestic violence feels safe and welcomed.
Media attention about domestic violence spiking during this pandemic has created a swell of public interest around in this issue. With that as a tailwind at our backs, we need to push forward — harder than ever — to bring the messages of prevention and awareness to the public. The single most powerful way to disarm an abuser is through an informed, empowered community. Domestic violence survivor Leslie Morgan Steiner, in her TED talk said, the one thing she did that she says “saved her life” was to tell everybody — the police, the mailman, her neighbors, friends and family. In that same way, we need to “safety
When DVCC began in 1980, domestic violence was still considered “a family matter.” Shrouded in secrecy and shame, it was handled “in private,” too often with devastating results for victims. Our organization’s founders and early supporters were among the first to shine a spotlight on this issue locally, and assist victims in finding safety.
plan” as a community.
Domestic violence advocates will continue to teach our community, support victims and their children, and send a clear message that we are not going to allow domestic violence to shrink back into the shadows. As community members, every individual can play an important role in helping end the problem of domestic violence. It can start with just a small act — ask a friend if she is OK, attend a free virtual workshop to learn the red flag signs of domestic violence, and let people know how to get help right here in their community. Working together as an informed community we can build a safer, healthier environment for all.
We are standing at a unique moment in time with an opportunity for a paradigm shift about domestic violence. People are listening — now it is up to us to lead the way forward. I hope that someday we will look back on domestic violence as an issue similar to the importance of wearing seat belts or the dangers of drinking and driving. Informed communities shifted public thinking and saved lives. With your help, we can do this. We can be that beacon — providing help for those in need. I look forward to working together, to make real progress in preventing domestic abuse for future generations.