October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October marks the 31st annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During the entire month, advocates work on a national, state, and local level to call attention to the very real issue of domestic violence. Activities include:

  • Mourning those who died due to domestic violence
  • Celebrating survivors
  • Connecting with the advocates who work to end the violence.

What is Domestic Violence?

According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV), domestic violence is defined as “a pattern of abusive behaviors – including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic coercion – used by one intimate partner against another. . . to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship.”

Of course, there is no single approach batterers use to perpetrate violence. Instead, abusers employ a range of tactics. Abusers employ these tactics to accomplish one or more of the following:

  • Blame
  • Frighten
  • Humiliate
  • Hurt
  • Manipulate
  • Injure as well as
  • Terrorize

Unfortunately, sometimes domestic violence leads to the death of a current or former intimate partner.

Facts about Domestic Violence

Below are some alarming facts about domestic violence:

  • According to the United States Department of Justice 1.3 million women are the victims of physical violence at the hands of a partner each year
  • 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence from a partner in their lifetime
  • 1 in 9 men experience domestic violence from a partner in their lifetime
  • 835,000 men are also victims of physical violence at the hands of a partner each year
  • A woman is assaulted by a current or ex-significant other every nine seconds in the United States alone
  • 1 in 5 women are rape survivors
  • Between 2001 and 2012, 6,488 US troops were killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. 11,766 women were murdered by current or ex-significant others during the same period of time.

Resources

If you are experiencing domestic violence, there are resources available to you. Additionally, if you are a friend or family member of someone who you believe is experiencing domestic violence, there are resources available to you as well. Of course, the internet has a wealth of information on domestic violence. However, users are cautioned to use their own judgment about the nature and quality of advice given on internet websites. Florida has their own Florida Coalition against Domestic Violence (FCADV). For immediate assistance, call the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.500.1119. There are also local centers that provide core services, including:

  • Advocacy
  • Children’s programs
  • Crisis counseling
  • Emergency shelter
  • Referrals
  • Safety planning as well as
  • 24-hour hotline

Florida also maintains a Directory of Florida Certified Domestic Violence Centers.

Divorce and Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can complicate divorce proceedings. In any divorce case, it is a good idea to sit down with an experienced divorce attorney before making any major decisions. Common topics of discussion with a divorce attorney can include a safety plan, plans for the children, plans for any pets, and both short and long-term planning relating to finances, property, other assets, and debts.

Eric C. Cheshire, P.A. has experience handling divorce cases that involve domestic violence. He offers complete family law services. Eric Cheshire tailors his representation to the unique needs of each client and family. Call today to schedule a consultation at (561) 677-8090.

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