October is Domestic Violence Awareness month! Domestic violence (also named domestic abuse or family violence) is violence or other abuse in a domestic setting such as in marriage or cohabitation. It is a repetitive process of abuse where the abuser gets hold of the victim in a consistent manner. Domestic violence takes place in our nation every minute of every day, occurring just about every 15 seconds. Most Americans don’t realize just how real domestic violence is and how many lives are affected by it since most of the cases are left behind closed doors.
Domestic violence affects not only women but men and children of ALL different races, religions, social or economic status and cultures. No one is immune to it. It shows in a number of different forms – whether it’s punching, slapping, threatening, yelling, manipulating, and many others.
No matter the situation, domestic violence is never okay! There IS help. Listed below are some resources that are ready to help.
YWCA of Greater Harrisburg 1-800-654-1211
PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence 717-545-6400
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE