According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, roughly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. Furthermore, nearly 50% of women experience at least one form of psychological aggression by their partner in their lifetime. What does this mean? In short, that it’s not “someone else’s problem,” it’s ours. To help those suffering in silence, participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October. Keep reading to learn a few ways you can get involved!
#1. Donate the Essentials
Can you imagine leaving your home with nothing more than a quickly thrown-together bag? Many domestic violence survivors looking to start a new chapter of their life need help with the essentials. In addition to adult and child-sized face masks, consider donating hygiene staples, like body wash, deodorant, and laundry detergent. Seasonal items are always welcome as well, like umbrellas, blankets, and sunscreen. Lastly, donate day-to-day necessities, like silverware, snacks, and bath towels.
#2. Volunteer
Many people don’t think of donating until the holidays, but individuals and families need your help year-round. This fall, get in touch with a local shelter to see how you can help. From cleaning the facility to preparing meals for the residents, there is plenty of ways you can get involved. (Consider corporate volunteering as well – getting your co-workers to participate is a great way to give back!).
#3. Have an Open Discussion with Your Friends
Domestic violence victims aren’t always strangers. Therefore, consider creating a safe space and having an open discussion with your close friends. Resources like the RUSafe app assess the likelihood of potential harm and an abusive relationship. Plus, they provide a list of nearby, safe locations to turn to for help.
With Domestic Violence Awareness Month rapidly approaching, now is the time to get involved. Remember, participating can make all the difference in helping someone start a fresh, new chapter of their life!
About the Author
Dr. Katherine Parét loves to use her skill and passion for dentistry for two purposes: to offer high-quality dental care and support each patient’s overall wellness. She graduated from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has since undergone additional training in everything from oral surgery to domestic violence advocacy. For her, collaboration with other key providers, like psychiatrists, to create custom treatment plans designed to help her patients on their journeys toward health and happiness is extremely rewarding. If you’d like to learn more about participating in Domestic Violence Awareness Month or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit her website or give her practice a call at 207-200-4106.