Freedom House of Parker County

Domestic-Violence-Awareness-Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the Day of Unity conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in October 1981.  The goal was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children.  The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national levels.  The activities conducted were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had common themes:  mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence.  In October 1987, the first DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH was observed, and the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline was established.  In 1989, Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Such legislation has passed every year since. 

 How can you help a victim? Be informed, listen, allow a victim to confide in you.  Never Blame. Guide a victim towards community services. Help develop a safety plan.  Encourage them to call FREEDOM HOUSE. Intervene by calling the police if you know a battering or sexual assault incident is occurring. FREEDOM HOUSE has a 24 hr. hotline # 817-596-8922.  If you need a safe place, there is a safe emergency shelter for victims escaping domestic violence or sexual assault. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. FREEDOM HOUSE is here to help.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior that is used to gain or maintain power over an intimate partner. It is also referred to as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Dating Abuse, or Relationship Abuse. The term includes physical violence, sexual violence, emotional abuse, financial abuse, spiritual abuse and stalking by a former or current intimate partner.

Domestic Violence does not discriminate. It can happen to any race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, age, education levels or culture. Multiple forms of abuse can be present, and it can be important to know the warning signs of abuse.

Click here to learn more. 

Silhouettes at the Parker County Sherriff’s Department. Each display has a story attached to the silhouette, and some stories are local to Parker County. These show the seriousness of Domestic Violence and how it is not limited to the big cities. It can happen in our community and to anyone, abuse does not discriminate.