Written By Dayshaun Powe
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On Oct. 17, 1981, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) established the first “Day of Unity.” The goal of this event was to bring awareness to domestic violence and how much of an already prominent issue it was. Along with this, it was meant to help advocates and victims across the world connect, and to bring a sense of closure and unity to all who were affected. Since then, it has gone on to receive an official recognition from Congress.
After the recognition and support that the first “Day of Unity” received, it became a yearly event on the first Monday of every Oct. with more and more organizations stepping in. This was until Oct. 1987 when it was established as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and officially recognized by Congress only two years later.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the U.S. experience domestic violence in their lifetime, but sadly nearly 50% of cases are not reported and nearly half of that percentage is left undiscovered until it is too late. Thankfully, due to the help of organizations like the NCADV and the NDVH, these statistics are starting to reach a partial decline. Not only do organizations like these help bring more awareness to warning signs and statistics, but they help people feel as if they are not alone and have someone to rely on.
With that exact mindset, many more organizations have popped up over the years as ways to directly help those who escaped from a domestic violence situation, or even those who still may be in one. One of the most prominent examples is the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), which was founded in 1855 by Lady Mary Jane Kinniard and Emma Robarts.
YWCA was originally created to support women’s rights during the Industrial Revolution,but over the years it has expanded its goal. Even so, the non-profit organization kept its primary objectives of being a safe space for women, especially those coming out of abusive relationships. With nearly every YWCA having on-site services to help including counseling, medical aid and even consistent law enforcement partnerships. They also have resources on their website to help any in need.
Even with more resources and cultural awareness than perhaps ever before in history, domestic violence is still a pressing issue around the world, and it is important to remember that nobody is alone. If you think that you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence, always feel free to reach out to a trusted source. You can reach out to the NDVH, even if it is just to ask about resources to report to, or what may or may not be considered a sign.
Young Women’s Christian Association: 202-467-0801
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233