Jill:
“Domestic violence impacts women, men and children of every age, background and belief. Nearly one in four women and one in seven men in the United States have suffered severe physical violence by an intimate partner,” according to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence,
The month of October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The national movement started in 1981 during “Day of Unity”, a day that connected supporters working to end violence against women and children across the United States. The movement was formed in a law by the U.S. Congress in 1989.
Why is it recognized to end violence against women and children? Men are victims of domestic violence as well. According to the CDC, “one in seven men age 18+ in the U.S. has been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in his lifetime. One in 10 men have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.”
According to data gathered by the FBI, every month 52 women are shot and killed by their intimate partner.
Why is purple the color for domestic violence awareness month? Well, the United States military, the Purple Heart is presented to those who have been wounded while serving.
For survivors of domestic violence, who were wounded both physically and emotionally, the color is meant to be a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending violence.
There are only a few days left in the month of October, so I suggest you wear purple.
In the state of New York, nearly 450,000 domestic-violence incidents are reported every year. What is even more saddening is the estimate that just as many violent acts go unreported. As a community, as people, we must bring greater awareness to this problem and eradicate the reproach that prevents victims from seeking assistance.
As a community, we can help stop acts of domestic violence and guarantee that victims receive the necessary services.
The month of October, presents us with an opportunity to acknowledge the individuals and organizations that work tirelessly to restrain domestic violence.
Jack:
Before I begin stating my opinion, I want you to ask yourself: how do you define domestic violence? Think about it before you go ahead with reading this piece. Now that you have thought about it (I hope), domestic violence does not necessarily mean something that is physically abusive.
Most people have this misunderstanding that domestic violence is something that deals with physical abuse just because of the word “violence.”
However, it is much more than that. Most cases of domestic violence are registered against women, but men, too, can be victims of it.
Domestic violence deals with someone having their basic rights taken away behind closed doors.
Most of the time, we don’t know what goes on behind these closed doors, but it is not pleasant.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. It serves the purpose to make us realize that even though you may be living a life that is free of violence, there are others who are living a nightmare. If you think that you are a victim of domestic violence, then you are not alone.
I personally see zero gain in subjecting your power over someone. Yes, I am usually persuasive and very dominant, but that doesn’t mean that I do not understand what others wish or want.
The month was no established for us to remember that it signifies domestic violence; but rather, it exists for us to not forget about it.
On behalf of all the men who are victims of domestic violence due to peer, parental and social pressures, don’t be quiet. Just like the University’s campaign says, it really is on us.
The scary part isn’t even what has happened so far or what is going on. The scary part is what the future will be like. If things do not change, it will only go downhill and things will get worse.
As a responsible student, son, brother, or boyfriend no one else can change things like you can.
If you see something, say something. It’s a basic education, so what stops you from doing it?
