Perhaps you’ve already seen purple ribbons on display in public and on Facebook profiles this month. That’s because October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The ribbons are being used to draw attention to a problem that often goes unspoken, yet that plagues millions in our country each year.

In addition to the physical violence that plays out in abusive households, the psychological effects of domestic violence are no less profound and long-lasting. In fact, about 60 percent of battered women report that they suffer with depression. These women are also at a greater risk of suicide. Twenty-five percent of the suicide attempts by white women and 50 percent of suicide attempts by black women are preceded by abuse.

A Dangerous Problem

To increase your understanding of the impact domestic violence has on this country, a few statistics are in order:

• Number of women who have experienced physical intimate partner violence in their lifetimes: 38,028,000
• Victims of domestic violence every minute: 20
• Percentage of women in abusive relationships who are raped and/or assaulted during that relationship: 40-45%
• Number of mental health care visits due to intimate partner violence each year: 18,500,000
• Number of children exposed to domestic violence each year: 10,000,000
• Percentage of physical assaults against women that are reported to police annually: 25%

How You Can Help

Domestic Violence Awareness Month seeks to make more people aware of these sobering statistics, and to offer support and resources to help victims of domestic abuse find shelter and safety. If you are a survivor of domestic violence, an ally or someone who wants to lend a hand, the event offers a number of ways to do so.

• Participate in the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s Week of Action 2015. From October 19 to 23, the NNEDV has scheduled a different activity each day, each one focused on addressing an aspect of domestic violence. From charitable donations to calling Congress or just speaking with friends about the issues, the week is designed to shed light on domestic violence.
• Participate in a Ohio Domestic Violence Network scheduled march or candlelight vigil and Take Back the Night events to recognize DVA Month.
• Lend your support to several of Central Ohio’s hardworking organizations. ACTION OHIO Coalition for Battered Women has been fighting domestic violence statewide since 1976 and offers a number of resources on their website. The CHOICES For Victims of Domestic Violence site offers a toolkit for planning DVA Month activities. The Justice League of Ohio offers locations and contact information for numerous shelters across the state, places where victims of domestic violence can seek assistance.

Domestic violence is one of the most serious threats to both physical and mental health in our country. If you have suffered or are suffering from domestic violence, please contact some of the organizations listed above. A network of support is ready and waiting to help.

David Lowenstein, Ph.D. is a Psychologist and the Clinical Director of Lowenstein & Associates, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to providing therapeutic services to individuals and families, he offers training and consultation to numerous associations, schools and agencies around the country. Additionally, he is a frequent radio and TV guest and a resource and contributing writer for numerous newspapers and magazines nationwide. Contact Dr. David Lowenstein at 691 South Fifth Street
Columbus, OH 43206 or by phone at 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.