Domestic violence awareness month

Photo by: Will Gentry 

For many, October is a month dedicated to pumpkins, the beginning of fall, Halloween candy and costumes. October is also the month dedicated to awareness for domestic violence.

Domestic violence awareness month was born from the Day of Unity, which was previously observed in October of 1981 by the “National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.” The focus of the Day of Unity was to bring victimized women together with advocates to work across the nation towards ending violence against women and children.

The Day of Unity later evolved into a special week with many different activities. Individuals mourn those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrate those who have survived and get connected with those who work to end violence. The project started small but after a while gained support and the event exploded to the state and national level.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed 25 years ago.

“In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed,” the website said. “That same year the first national toll-free hotline  began. In 1989, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress. Such legislation has passed every year since with NCADV providing key leadership in this effort.”

Domestic violence is defined as violent or agressive behavior within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner.

Sada Knowles, instructor of psychology and family studies, outlines some of the major reasons why the violence might occur.

“The theory is known as social learning theory,” Knowles said. “Children learn things from observing others. There is this idea of if you watch that while growing up, you learn it is what happens in relationships and it’s alright. That is how men treat women, or so forth, and it continues.”

Domestic violence is not a simple issue; there are many aspects that influence it.

“The way men view women is an important factor [in domestic violence],” sophomore Kristen Rojo said. “In today’s culture, men tend to value the worth of a woman based on how she looks. Girls are told that their worth hinges on being ‘hot,’ which in mainstream media translates into thin and scantily clad.”

Some students believe that some men can forget that there is a person attached to a body and could start to view the woman’s body solely as a possession.

“We tend to forget the fact that there is a person along with the gorgeousness, and we can at times take advantage of that viewpoint,” senior Dwayne Wiseman said.

There are many factors that can lead to domestic violence.

“Substance abuse, poverty and stress are some major factors,” Knowles said. “Stress is one main factor because a lot of the times we see that almost anything can be associated with stress such as the loss of a job, which can effect the atmosphere in the home. “

Knowles is an advocate of raising awareness for those who fall victim to domestic violence.

“I think it is great when we care about people that are victimized,” Knowles said. “I am all for any type of awareness that will hopefully empower individuals to speak out. I think it is always important to be aware. We have a very individualist culture, and our privacy is important, but keep a watchful eye on our neighbors, and look for people who are isolated and make them feel important and cared for.”

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