Domestic Violence Awareness Month began in 1981 with a “Day of Unity.” In 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. Since its beginning, domestic violence awareness has focused on three common themes:

• Mourning those who have died because of domestic violence
• Celebrating those who have survived
• Connecting those who work to end violence

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence states that nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the United States have suffered severe physical violence by an intimate partner; however, domestic violence typically involves more than physical violence. Victims often suffer cycles of violence that include psychological, sexual and financial abuse. Domestic abuse can happen in all kinds of relationships and has extreme effects on victims, children and our community.

Throughout the month of October, SAVE Taskforce is leading an awareness campaign called “See the Signs, Take a Stand.” Staff and faculty are encouraged to look for posters on campus designed by graphic arts students that display the signs of intimate partner violence and take a stand against domestic violence. For more information about the prevalence and effects of intimate partner violence and what you can do to help, see the weekly LincIn posts to follow and visit LLCC’s Sexual Violence Resources website.