I’m writing this on the day of the federal government shutdown, and it feels especially heavy. I know the implications this has for our organization and, more importantly, for survivors in Indiana who depend on critical services. And yet today also marks the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a reminder that domestic violence touches far too many lives in Indiana and across the country.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the national theme: #Every1KnowsSome1. This is a hard truth for us in Indiana, where 47% of women and 44% of men in our state report experiencing physical abuse. Behind those numbers are our neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members. For some, it is our own story.
Survivors need us now more than ever. Domestic violence fatalities in Indiana remain 30% higher than before the pandemic. Additionally, our partners across community domestic violence programs and law enforcement are reporting more high-lethality cases: severe injuries, strangulation, and attacks with weapons. Yet these crises come as federal funding for essential services is being cut.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) is calling on all of us, survivors and allies alike, to take action. Support your local programs with your resources and talents. Urge your state and federal legislators to protect critical services. And help normalize conversations about domestic violence and the complex decisions survivors face, reducing stigma and making it easier for survivors to seek help and feel less alone.
Please visit icadv.org to get information about your community’s domestic violence programs, and to learn how you can be helpful to survivors. Together, we can work to prevent domestic violence and to support survivors.
