October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Women of the World will devote the entire month to articles on prevention, support, resources, and advocates for women who are victims of violence.

One in every three women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence).

This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in which organizations and people all across the globe are committed to ending violence within our homes, our communities, and our country.

Stopvaw.org explains how violence affects men, women and children of all ages and how it can be stopped. A person’s life may be severely affected by domestic violence. Women may suffer from a variety of medical problems, such as, depression, chronic pain, increased risk of sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies. In addition, women as well as men may miss work because of their medical problems. Domestic violence can also be fatal and victims of domestic violence are more likely to commit suicide.

• 40-70% of all female murder victims are killed by an intimate partner

Not only are victims affected by domestic violence; others close to them may also be affected by this global problem. Domestic violence has significant consequences for children, family, friends, co-workers, and the community. Family and friends may be targeted by the abuser in retaliation for helping a woman leave a violent relationship or find assistance. Children in homes where domestic violence occurs may be witnesses to abuse and possibly abused.

Womenshealth.gov lists 6 ways you can prevent domestic violence:

• Call the police if you see or hear evidence of domestic violence.
• Support a friend or family member who may be in an abusive relationship.
• Volunteer at a local domestic violence shelter or another organization helping survivors or working to prevent violence.
• Raise your children to respect others. Teach your children to respect others and to treat others as they would like to be treated. Lead by example.
• Protect yourself. Take a self-defense class.
• Become an activist.

For more information on our upcoming events to stop violence against women, please go to our Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Women-of-the-World/109693405726142?ref=ts