October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

This month we join millions of Americans in recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and stand together to do all we can to stop violence before it starts. One in four women and one in nine men¹ in the United States are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives, and approximately 33 million² U.S. adults report that they were a victim of domestic violence. The epidemic is impressed upon each of us at CalVCP every single day because nearly 30% of the applications we receive for help are from victims of domestic violence.

The survivors we serve need many kinds of support, including mental health counseling, medical attention, and relocation. Visit our resource page to join the cause and learn more regarding statistics, resources, events, our Suited for Success clothing drive, applying for CalVCP benefits, and news and media surrounding the issue.

It is far past time to “Break the Silence” and put an end to these cowardly acts and senseless violence. This month, I stand with the victims and survivors of domestic violence to raise awareness and call for everyone to recognize the signs and take action.

1. CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey 2005
2. Based on July 2005 U.S. Census estimate released January 2006 (223,000,000 total U.S. adults aged 18 or over)

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.