October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! As advocates, we get excited about October because it’s our time to bring awareness to a phenomenon that affects thousands of people each year. There’s lots of things you’ve probably heard about Domestic Violence, so let’s go through some of the top basic things that everyone should know!
1. Domestic Violence doesn’t just affect families.
A new trend has emerged amongst advocacy and legislative groups. Rather than focusing on the ‘domestic’ portion of DV, they think a more inclusive and intersectional approach is needed. Many scholars, advocates and agencies have started to use the term ‘Intimate Partner Violence’ to represent more individuals. Using the term ‘domestic’ implies that only couples or people who live together can experience DV. That’s a lie! IPV looks to focus on individuals who interact with each other on more than a friendly, platonic level. Whether it’s hooking up, dating but not living together, identifying as members of the LGBTQ+ community or people who fit the traditional nuclear family mold, IPV aims to address some of the ideas and stereotypes using the term ‘Domestic Violence’ has created. The idea is similar to the movement surrounding the transition between ‘Battered Women’s Movement’ to ‘Domestic Violence.’ For many years, legal wording only allowed for women experiencing physical violence to receive aid and services. Under DV, men in relationships can also qualify, as well as children. Under IPV, everyone qualifies!
2. Funding is scarce.
If you haven’t already figured it out, funding for DV programs is usually pretty slim to none. While some programs, such as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Network to End Domestic Violence, receive large amounts of funding through federal grants (and are able to establish large partnerships with some private corporations), a majority of DV organizations exist on the local level, so they don’t typically receive large amounts of funds. They offer services for free, so a lot of these organizations rely on grants and private donations to keep afloat.
3. Finding services is actually fairly easy.
Since we live in a digital age, it’s easier than ever to find resources and services. Most of us have access to smartphones or electronic devices. And, many DV websites have ‘quick exit’ buttons or are encoded to not trip any tracking devices so that abusers don’t know you’re accessing those sites. Plus, many private businesses are starting to subtly provide contact information about DV services available. From coffee shops to even hair salons, the information is everywhere! There are also lots of online search sites that provide contact information for DV services based on location, including VINElink’s state-wide search!
4. Survivors are resilient - not stronger because of their trauma.
One of the biggest misconceptions about survivors of DV is where their strength comes from. Individuals who experience trauma do not get their strength from their trauma. Instead, they get it from their resilience! Resilience is the key that helps survivors unlock strength and success after their trauma. It’s what helps them become self-sufficient after their trauma. DV advocates and organizations work to ensure that survivors learn healthy, resilient behaviors post-trauma in order to overcome their trauma.
5. There are different types of advocates available to help survivors.
There are two different types of advocates - system-based and community-based. System-based advocates work to help victims through the criminal justice system. From updating them on court dates, arranging interviews with prosecutors and helping them find community resources, system-based advocates play a big role in guiding survivors through the court process. They also refer survivors to community-based advocates - advocates who work for organizations and can assist with non-CJS items. This includes housing, social services and more. While System-based advocates can make referrals to those organizations, community-based advocates can sit down and do much more on-the-ground work for survivors in those areas. It’s also important to note that system and community advocates aren’t mutually exclusive - in fact, we all work closely together because we know how our roles can lead to the best solutions for survivors! Together is how we make change and progress when serving survivors of DV.