FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katherine Sele, katherine@ninetywest.com
Statement on Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Since 1989, October has marked National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Jane Doe Inc. (JDI), the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, issued the following statement ahead of this year’s DVAM:
“Every year, Domestic Violence Awareness Month gives us an important opportunity to reflect on the harm caused by domestic violence, and also to uplift the brave survivors and committed advocates working everyday to overcome trauma and prevent violence.
Domestic violence, or intimate partner abuse, remains an urgent and devastating challenge for individuals, families, and communities across Massachusetts. So far this year, there have been at least 11 domestic violence homicides in the Commonwealth, and thousands of other victims who have faced physical violence, isolation, coercive control, financial abuse, and more. The trauma of domestic violence and domestic violence homicide affects not only victims, survivors, and those who cause harm, but entire families and communities, often across generations.
The theme of this year’s DVAM is #Every1KnowsSome1, because one in four people experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. With a population of over 6 million, Massachusetts is home to hundreds of thousands of survivors – from communities across the Commonwealth – who are living and surviving amidst abuse, working – often with the help of loved ones and providers like those that make up the statewide JDI Coalition – to get help, and continuing the long journey to find safety, healing, and stability. Many have translated their own experience into efforts to help others – working hand in hand with JDI and other advocates to support those experiencing violence, and to address the patterns of oppression, power, and control at the root of domestic violence.
Each of us knows someone in our lives who is or has experienced domestic violence. During DVAM, we recognize and honor their courage, their healing, and their work, at the same time that we reflect and remember the lives lost and forever altered by domestic violence.”
During DVAM, JDI and its member programs across Massachusetts will be hosting events and creating space for survivors, advocates, and community members to recognize existing trauma, memorialize those lost to domestic violence, and continue the work of healing and violence prevention. You can follow JDI on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin) to find out more about events and important resources.
If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence, know that you are not alone and help is available throughout the state of Massachusetts. Everyone deserves a life free of violence or abuse, and to enjoy healthy relationships built on trust, dignity, and equity. We urge you to contact SafeLink, the MA statewide hotline, at 877-785-2020, the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233, or visit www.janedoe.org/find_help/ to find resources near you today.
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ABOUT JDI
JDI (Jane Doe Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence) is the only statewide membership and advocacy coalition in Massachusetts dedicated to addressing sexual and domestic violence. We aim to support survivors and end violence by promoting gender equity, racial justice, and safety for everyone. JDI’s mission is to complement and support the expertise and leadership of our 60 community-based member organizations with a statewide strategy involving public and private partners to tackle systemic issues that foster and perpetuate violence, to create policies and explore innovative solutions that improve the lives of survivors, and to prevent gender-based violence. To learn more visit https://janedoe.org.