October - Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Annually we take this opportunity to recognize victims and raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence on the entire family. Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other  abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. Five million children witness domestic violence each year in the US, and 40 million adult Americans grew up living with domestic violence.

While Children’s Law Center and many of our community partners help to address the needs of domestic violence victims on a daily basis, DVAM offers everyone the chance to unite in the work to end domestic violence in our community. Nonprofits, advocates, loved ones, supporters, and political leaders throughout Forsyth and Guilford Counties join with communities across the country and the globe to acknowledge the importance of this issue and highlight the collaboratives serving victims of all ages. Speaking in a unified voice throughout October, we raise collective awareness about domestic violence with a goal to end abuse.

Between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, 80% of the children we served experienced domestic violence in their homes. CLC staff and volunteer attorneys work tirelessly to ensure these children can live in safe, stable environments, free of the threat of domestic violence. Addressing the trauma of their experiences and mitigating adverse childhood experiences offers the opportunity to break the cycle of intergenerational violence and ultimately strengthens families and the entire community.

Throughout DVAM, CLC’s team participated in many events and initiatives with our FJC and other community partners in Forsyth and Guilford Counties.

·        City of Greensboro Domestic Violence Awareness Month Kickoff (October 2)

·        Forsyth County Commissioners Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation (October 5)

·        Family Services of Forsyth County Day of Unity (October 6)

·        Family Services of Forsyth County screening of Alice Darling at a/perture (October 9)

·        Community Intervention and Educational Services COOL Program’s 3rd Annual Candlelight Vigil (October 11)

·        Iris Sunshine addresses the congregation at Highland Presbyterian Church (WS) (October 15)

·        City of Greensboro Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation (October 17)

·        Guilford County Commissioners Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation (October 19)

·        Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center partner agency gathering (October 19)

·        High Point Family Justice Center 5th Anniversary and Domestic Violence Awareness event (October 25)