October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States. Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s “Day of Unity” in October 1981 that was designed to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and children. Domestic violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence, dating abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship (National Domestic Violence Hotline). According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner violence. We asked several Junior Leagues across the United States to share how they are working locally to prevent and end domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-SAFE(7233)