10/01/2024
It's October, so Counseling Services invites everybody to join us in scaring away the stigma around mental health all month long! This month is jam packed with important dates and observances, so we've put together a little calendar to keep track of what's coming. Each week, we will highlight a different facet of October's awareness campaigns, because each cause we can spread the word about is another step toward our goal. Keep an eye on your email and social media for more information about upcoming events this month.
This week, we felt it was best to start with a heavier topic. Domestic Violence is an issue that can affect absolutely anybody, and, given the statistics, there's a strong chance that somebody you know has been affected by this at some point in their life. The Domestic Violence Hotline reports that an average of 24 people every single minute are victims of r**e, stalking, or physical violence by an intimate partner in the United States alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 3 men have experienced these hostile actions across their lifetime, and nearly half the entire population has experienced some form of psychological aggression. Domestic Violence is real, prevalent, and happens every minute, and on top of that, victims of Domestic Violence are less likely to seek or receive help than victims of other crimes due to the stigma surrounding it and the fear of retribution. One of the most important things you can do is to openly denounce any and all forms of DV.
If you or a loved one is in need of assistance, check out the resources at The National Domestic Violence Hotline. You can also call 1-800-799.SAFE (7233), or text "START" to 88788. Speak up, support the victims, and break through the stigma surrounding this topic. Your friends or family could need your help.
