Domestic Violence Month: Be Heard
Headline: Domestic violence awareness
byline : Joshua Fangue
Section: Comm 151
Word count: 406
October is a national awareness month for domestic violence.That first began in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country.
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On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States, more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year. Domestic abuse is not just physical, it can be mental or verbal.
Michelle Heneries, a survivor of domestic abuse, said, “Domestic violence is not just physical violence, it could be simple just manipulation, where they slowly start to isolate you and make you start to not talk to your friends or loved ones.”
Abuse comes in many forms, it can appear in any type of relationship. Heneries added, “You really do not see that you are in an abusive relationship at first, it starts off with these small red flags that you push off because you want to think the best of that loved one.” These red flags could be quick to anger, violent behaviors, threats to harm others or themselves.
Anedia Myint, domestic violence advocate for the group Hopeline, that collects usable donated phone and gives them to Verizon that donates the phone to women shelters, said, “ Anyone can spread awareness, domestic violence is nationwide, it is everywhere unfortunately, but if we can end the stigmatism against coming out as a victim, we can help these survivors before it is too late, nobody deserves to be hurt like this.”
Southeastern Louisiana University’s sexual conduction policy states that “The University will not ignore any act of sexual misconduct or abuse and encourages individuals who suspect that they have become subject or witness to such an act to contact the University Police Department (985–549–2222).” Southeastern also offers other help called Domestic Violence Table, located in the University Counseling Center, near the Student Union Mall/Breezeway in Room eight; hours from 10am-4pm.
Throughout the end of October, for every message that contains the hashtag #VoicesHavePower, is texted to #94079, Verizon will donate $3 towards preventing domestic violence. Let your voice be heard. Verizon donates wireless phones, that are meant for a form of communication with family, loved ones and employers to local domestic violence shelters and non-profit organizations and agencies for use by victims and survivors
