Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month

October is Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month - also known as Domestic Violence. Intimate partner violence is a pattern of abusive behavior between two people in a relationship. Abuse includes physical, sexual, psychological, and stalking, and it can happen to anyone. Both men and women can be victims of intimate partner violence.

Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month remembers victims of IPV and raises awareness about how to recognize and prevent it. A nationwide campaign this year, Every1KnowsSome1 represents the one in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people who experience IPV in their lifetime.

Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month brings people, organizations, and communities together to hear survivor stories, talk about signs of abuse and prevention, and share resources.

Resources and Ways to Get Help Now:

• Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• National Domestic Violence Hotline - 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224 (TTY)
• National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
• Identify Abuse - information about warning signs, power and control, and why people abuse.
• Watch “What is Intimate Partner Violence?” from the CDC.
• Afraid that you could be an abuser? Contact the MEN/S Program 412-687-8017 x340
  

Ways to Get Involved:

• Purple Thursday – wear purple on October 17 and share why or who you wear it for using #PurpleThursday #Every1KnowsSome1 #DVAM.
• Find volunteer opportunities at a local domestic violence organization
• Become an advocate

Ways to Be an Ally

A willingness to help someone who is experiencing intimate partner violence is important, but there are ways to offer help while staying safe yourself.

• Challenge your existing beliefs about intimate partner violence and believe the victims. Let them know you believe them.
• Listen instead of giving advice.
• Validate their feelings and point out the positive behavior or determination they’ve shown.
• Refer them to a provider for any necessary medical attention, counseling, or safety planning.
• Offer help if you can, like providing child care or caring for pets.
• Support their decisions. Even if you don’t agree, there are risks involved with decisions and it’s important to be patient.

Read more about ways to offer support from the National Domestic Violence Hotline.