October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Provided to the News-Times by Debbie Watts and the SHARE Foundation

You are probably familiar with the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Dr. Jekyll is a good person, well known and respected in the community. Outsiders have no idea that hidden behind his “mask,” Mr. Hyde is violent and nasty to others without remorse. For years victims of domestic violence have likened their abusive partner to having a Jekyll and Hyde personality. The abuse gets worse yet remains hidden from outsiders allowing a double life like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Domestic violence is a prevalent issue that can include physical, sexual, psychological/emotional and economic abuse. Common forms are intimidation, isolation, humiliation, coercion, threats and stalking. The most common abuser is an intimate partner.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence:

• Approximately 20 individuals endure physical domestic abuse by an intimate partner each minute. This is 12 million male and female victims annually.

• Of all violent crimes, 15 percent are domestic violence by intimate partners.

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been a victim of physical violence from an intimate partner.

• 1 in 7 women and 1 in 18 men have been stalked.

• 1 in 10 women have been raped by an intimate partner.

• 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have been injured by an intimate partner.

• On average, national hotlines receive 20,000 domestic violence calls daily.

Are You In An Abusive Relationship?

CALL 911 for immediate help.

For help 24 hours a day you can call:

Turning Point of South Arkansas: (870) 862-0929

National Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474

U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

What Can You Do to Help in a Domestic Violence Situation?

Be part of the solution! If you witness domestic violence or suspected domestic violence, there are a variety of approaches that can be made to stop the violence or intervene:

• Call the police

• Intervene in a public area

• Create opportunities to talk to the victim

• Offer to get help and provide hotline information

• Do something to make your presence known as a witness

• Support Turning Point of South Arkansas as your local domestic violence program

The Union County Violence Intervention Plan (VIP) was developed in order to make available a network of area supports, opportunities and activities focused on best practice strategies for a community committed to changing the odds for young people and families in need. The VIP can be viewed at www.sharefoundation.com or you can call Debbie Watts, SHARE Foundation VP of Community Impact for more information at 870-881-9015.

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