On September 30th, 2022, the President of the United States issued a Proclamation on National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, calling on all Americans to “speak out against domestic violence and to educate all people on healthy relationships centered on respect” and to lift up victims and survivors within our communities and families.
When we think about our communities and families, how severe a toll might we assume domestic violence has taken? In 2021, the Arkansas Valley Resource Center saw 391 separate cases of domestic violence. It is crucial that we recognize that such numbers are not arbitrary; these numbers represent parents, siblings, students, neighbors, friends, and co-workers. This is the key meaning behind the #Every1KnowsSome1 campaign, that we all know someone within our families, within our communities, who has survived or is currently a victim of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is about just that: Awareness to address and, hopefully, prevent domestic violence. Helping spread awareness can look like many things throughout the month, including:
–Wearing a purple ribbon or pin
–Participating in Purple Thursday on 10-20-22
–Sharing articles and social media posts regarding DVAM, and
–Using DVAM-related hashtags, including #DVAM2022, #Every1KnowsSome1, and #WeAreResilient
You can also show your support by volunteering with or donating to your local victim services agency. Every little bit of support can make a BIG difference.
Please join AVRC in spreading awareness about domestic violence and its impacts, showing our support to survivors and victims, and working to prevent domestic violence within our communities!
You are not alone! If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, or you want to know more about other potential domestic violence related issues, Arkansas Valley Resource Center Staff are available 24/7!
415 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656
AVRC is non-discriminatory agency regarding age, race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.