It is National Domestic Violence month in October and this is the perfect time to bring awareness and prevention for future domestic violence actions. For the month of October, I will have a series about Domestic Violence.
Domestic Violence is described as physical and emotional abuse by one person in a relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated or dating. Examples are: hitting, name calling, put-downs, sexual abuse, intimidation, stalking and threating.
Some quick facts from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner. On a typical day, domestic violence hotlines nationwide receive approximately 20,800 calls. 1 in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Violent behaviors often begin between the ages of 12 and 18.
Anyone can be a victim; any race, age, gender, education or marital status. If you are being abused remember you are not alone, it is not your fault and help is available.
A few of the places in Harvey County that will help you:
Harvey County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Taskforce: 1-800-487-0510
Safe Hope Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: 316-283-0350
Agape Resource Center (food pantry & clothing closet): 316-283-1600
Salvation Army: 316-283-3190
New Jerusalem Missions: 316-282-2101
Harvey County Homeless Shelter: 316-283-7711
Health Ministries Clinic: 316-283-6103
Offender Victim Ministries: 316-283-2038
Harvey County Health Department: 316-283-1937
4-H & Human Development News
By: Anne Pitts, Harvey County Extension Agent, 4-H & Human Development
