October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Did you know on average 20 people per
minute are physically abused by an intimate partner? 1 in 3 women and 1 in four
men have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
What is domestic violence?
It is a pattern of
behavior used to maintain control over an intimate partner or family member. Victims can be of any age, race, gender or
economic status.
Different abusive behaviors include: physical/sexual abuse, emotional abuse, coercion,
threats or intimidation, and isolation.
Many children who witness violence in the home may
suffer from anxiety and/or PTSD. They may exhibit eating /sleeping difficulties,
become withdrawn or become more clingy. Older children run the risk of becoming
violent themselves, having academic failures or turn to substance abuse.
Please, if you or anyone you know are a victim – get
help!
Resources for help and/or safe shelters:
Iowa Domestic Violence helpline
1-800-770-1650
CAASA (Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault)
1-877-362-4612 or caasaonline.org
Family Crisis Centers (FCC) -Crisis Line
1-800-382-5603
Or dial 911
