October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which first began in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women's advocates across the country. Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. (breakthecycle.org)
Domestic Violence is described as a pattern of abusive behavior- physical, psychological, or emotional tactics by an intimate partner, in order to gain power and control in the relationship. The power and control wheel describes the different abusive tactics abusers use to maintain power and control in a relationship. Power and control is at the center of the wheel indicating the abuser's main goal. Sometimes abusers do not have to resort to physical violence to gain power and control. Many victims report only psychological and emotional abuse which is just as damaging as physical abuse.

A healthy relationship is comprised of healthy communication and an equal partnership. It is important to know and understand the red flags of an abusive relationship.
https://www.thehotline.org/2012/09/11/red-flags-of-abuse/

If you recognize the signs of abuse or know someone in an abusive relationship there are confidential resources to assist victims, provide support and safety planning.
https://www.thehotline.org

https://www.thehotline.org/help/path-to-safety/

Raise awareness about Domestic Violence in your community and show your support for survivors by wearing purple on Purple Thursday 10/24/19. For more information visit https://nnedv.org/content/dvam-2019/

PandaTheAdvocate....always advocating.

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