Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Breaking the Cycle

For millions of individuals, home is not a safe place to find refreshment for one’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Instead, their lives, within the four walls of their home, has become a space of uncertainty, shame and pain. The month of October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A time when focused attention is given to shedding light on a problem that plagues our communities.

¹Domestic Violence, also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), and domestic or relationship abuse, is defined as a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control of another partner in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence can occur at any time within a relationship: dating, living together, or married. And domestic violence affects individuals from all walks of life, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, and sexual orientation.

There are many reasons individuals stay in an abusive relationship. However, even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always hope. However, situational awareness on the part of family, friends, and neighbors will go far in helping individuals who are locked in a cycle of domestic violence. Abuse is about the interwoven dynamics of power and control. As a person seeking to help a friend or loved one break the cycle, be mindful to not succumb to the false notion of “saving them” from their circumstances. Individuals locked into these relationships have learned to navigate the ebb and flow of their relationship, and are acutely aware of the cost when challenging the balance of power. ²In an abusive relationship, choosing to leave can be the most dangerous time for the victim.

Family, friends, and neighbors can be supportive by listening and being non-judgmental. Empowering the individual to make choices for their life can prove beneficial as they take steps to secure their future. Developing a safety plan and seeking professional guidance through a prevention agency, or counseling center provides the needed resources and support to make effective changes. At Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, our Community Support Services and Counseling Care team can provide help. Individuals can call 618.688.4739, or 618.688.7082 for Counseling Care. Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities for a better tomorrow.

During October, Hoyleton Youth and Family Services in partnership with the Southern Illinois Violence Prevention Center, will host a “Healthy Relationship” Workshop.

Workshop: Healthy Relationship

Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Location: Fairmont City Library, 4444 Collinsville Rd. Fairmont City, IL 62201

More Information: Call National Domestic Hotline, 1.800.799.(SAFE)7233

Social Media: #1Thing (What one thing can YOU do to help)

1“What is Domestic Violence?”. Retrieved from http://thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/

2“Help a Friend or Family Member”. Retrieved from http://thehotline.org/help/help-for-friends-and-family/