October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Local non-profit highlights resources available
Shelter From the Storm has been dedicated to providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence. The non-profit organization is partnering with other groups to raise awareness during the month of October about the signs of abuse and ways to stop it.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"We've been getting a lot more violent calls and drug-related incidents more so than normal," said Angelina Coe, Executive Director of Shelter From the Storm.
Coe said that trend has been ongoing since 2021, and the cases of intensified drug and alcohol use the shelter has encountered involve both victims and their abusers.
Oftentimes, victims of domestic violence exhibit signs that friends or family members may notice. Coe explained that the best thing someone can do for a victim is to offer a support system, but avoid getting in the middle of a situation as it could endanger their own life and the life of the victim.
Coe also explained that it may be difficult for a victim to understand exactly what they need and connecting with services doesn't always happen right away so having patience is important.
The CDC has identified 6 strategies to prevent intimate partner violence:
- Support survivors to increase safety and lessen harms
- Teach safe and healthy relationship skills
- Engage influential adults and peers
- Strengthen economic support for families
- Create protective environments
- Disrupt developmental pathways toward partner violence
There are 24-hour crisis lines you can call if you need help: 800-775-6055 or 760-328-SAFE (7233).
Watch News Channel 3 tonight at 6:00 p.m. for more on the story.
