Domestic violence thrives when we are silent

One in four women will experience domestic violence.

October is National Domestic ViolenceAwareness Month. Though 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, many are silent. Help build awareness and end the abuse. Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence.

Know the signs of an abusive relationship and spread the word:

• Exerting strict control (financial, social and/or appearance).
• Needing constant contact including excessive texts and calls.
• Emotional abuse including insulting a partner in front of other people.
• Extreme jealousy.
• Showing fear around a partner.
• Isolation from family and friends.
• Frequent canceling of plans at the last minute.
• Unexplained injuries or explanations that don’t quite add up.

To learn how to help someone in an abusive relationship or to get help for yourself, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit domesticshelters.org, the largest searchable directory of domestic violence service providers in the United States.

IDHS also maintains a list of Domestic Violence agencies by Illinois communities as does the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Break the silence. End the abuse.