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Public Action CampaignsOctober 2003: Domestic Violence Awareness MonthIn October, 2003 Jane Doe Inc. proudly joined our allies across the country in honor of nationally recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Through myriad events, educational campaigns and other venues, Jane Doe Inc. and its member organizations worked to amplify the voices of those committed to working for a society free of domestic violence. We know that domestic violence comes in the form of physical, sexual, emotional and/or economic abuse. We know that it does not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability or socio-economic status. We know that teen dating violence is at epidemic levels. We know that hospitals emergency rooms report domestic violence as the leading cause of injury to women. We know that children are adversely affected when they witness and experience violence in their home. We know that fear of retribution and feelings of guilt and self-blame often prevent victims from seeking services for themselves or leaving the relationship. And we know that last year, more than 26,000 women, men and children were served by community-based domestic violence programs. However, awareness alone will not change these facts, enhance victim services, hold batterers accountable for their crimes, or move us any closer to a society free from domestic violence. If we are truly committed to ending this social scourge, we must translate our knowledge about its pervasiveness, prevalence and impact into action, both within our communities and as individuals. 2003's activities for Domestic Violence Awareness Month included: ·
Memorial for
Domestic Violence Homicide Victims For a brief
history of Domestic Violence Awareness Month,
click here. |