Millbrook Elementary School students, inspired by the "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" theme, decorated flip-flops in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The shoes were displayed at Interact's Kick-Off & Walk for Domestic Violence Month and symbolized the journey of a victim or survivor of domestic violence.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October across the country. Any violence taking place within a family or intimate relationship is domestic violence. It includes abuse of spouses, girlfriends and boyfriends, children, and elderly people. Domestic violence cuts across all socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, religious, and age groups.

In our state:

  • A child is mistreated every 15 minutes by a parent or caretaker.
  • A woman suffers abuse every 15 seconds.

Studies show that children who witness violence at home experience behavioral problems and increased aggression, have less developed social and conflict resolution skills, and may suffer long-term developmental effects. These youth are also at risk of engaging in future violence and of being abused themselves. Researchers have found that people who batter their partners are also more likely to abuse their children.

Triangle United Way invested in local programs and created the following results:

 

4,206 families in crises improved their family situation through family and financial counseling, mediation, parenting education and training, respite care and legal services.

  • Luz was in an abusive relationship for many years until she got the strength to leave.  In search of a better life, she took her two young children and set out on a new journey that would test her strength. Read more about how Luz was helped thanks to your gift to the United Way Community Care Fund.


    • 16,298 victims of domestic violence and sexual assault accessed crisis intervention services. Of this number, 344 were provided a safe and confidential shelter.

  • Debi     is a survivor. She had the courage to leave an abusive relationship and claim peace in her life. But her journey to happiness wasn't easy. Read more about Debi was helped by the United Way Community Care Fund's safety net of services.