CULLMAN, Ala. – Mayor Woody Jacobs on Monday officially proclaimed October 2023 “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” (DVAM) in the city of Cullman. On hand to accept the proclamation from Victim Services of Cullman (VSOC) were Outreach Advocate Lacey Lemley and Emergency Shelter Advocate Leasia Murphree.
Domestic violence affects more than 10 million people in the United States each year. It is the single most common source of injury to survivors – more common than automobile accidents, muggings and rape by a stranger combined. Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of economic, racial, gender, educational, religious or societal status. Domestic violence violates a person’s privacy, dignity, security and humanity through a pattern of abusive behavior intended to control and dominate another person. That abusive behavior can be physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, social, economic, psychological or spiritual.
But domestic violence can be prevented! Prevention requires the collective voice and power of individuals, families, institutions and systems – each whose “one thing” ( #1Thing ) adds a valuable and powerful component to transforming our communities.
“Many people want to do something but believe their actions can’t make a difference,” said Jacobs. “But if we each commit to doing just one thing to stop domestic violence, we could see a real difference.”
#1Thing ideas to address domestic violence include:
- Being a caring and consistent adult in the life of a child
- Talking to loved ones about domestic and sexual violence and oppression
- Creating a culture of consent in our homes
- Using social media to raise awareness among peers
- Reaching out to Victim Services of Cullman or another organization dedicated to ending domestic violence to learn how to help
- Listening to and validating a survivor of trauma
- Taking the #1Thing Community Pledge to end domestic violence (find it at www.dvawareness.org/1thing).
More ideas can be found at www.dvawareness.org/1thing.
In the U.S., domestic violence hotlines receive around 20,000 calls each day from domestic violence victims. These victims need things like emergency shelter, housing, counseling, transportation, childcare, legal representation and more. VSOC was established in 1991 to help victims of domestic violence. Over the years, the agency has expanded to provide comprehensive services (including shelter, crisis response, education and advocacy) for those impacted by domestic and sexual violence in Cullman and Winston counties. Their stated goal is: To empower survivors and help them rebuild their lives, free from violence and fear.
“The City is very appreciative of the efforts of the folks at Victim Services and other local organizations to educate our community about domestic violence and to strive toward the goal of ending the cycle of domestic violence,” said Jacobs.
In 1989, Congress declared the month of October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every October across the United States, organizations and individuals unite to help uplift the needs, voices, and experiences of domestic violence survivors and to spread awareness about what everyone can do to help end domestic violence.
This year’s DVAM theme is: Heal, Hold & Center encourage everyone to:
- Promote HEALing by encouraging survivors to practice self-care and to take time for themselves.
- HOLD space for survivors by being present and supportive (but not forceful) as the survivor navigates their next steps.
- CENTER those who are most marginalized in our communities.
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), people are also encouraged to mourn the loss of those lives ended by domestic violence, celebrate the tremendous progress victim advocates have made over the years, and connect with one another with a true sense of unity to end domestic violence.
What is the #1Thing you can do to end domestic violence or to #HealHoldCenter survivors?
To find out more about VSOC, visit www.victimservices.online or call the administrative office at 256-775-2600.
FOR THOSE CURRENTLY IN A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SITUATION:
Call VSOC’s 24-Hour Crisis Line at 256-734-6100.
Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
- By calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) (TTY 1-800-787-3224)
- By texting START to 88788
- By using the online chat feature at www.thehotline.org
Contact your local law enforcement agency.
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