October is
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

October is Domestic Violence Month

 I will never forget the death of my former co-worker, Marina Ramos in 2021 through a senseless act of violence by her ex-husband. They were divorced but shared custody of a 10-year-old daughter, so they had to interact with one another unsupervised. It was through one of those exchanges that Marina lost her life. The violence is real, and it does not play favorites. Therefore, raising awareness is necessary throughout the year. In October we focus more on this issue more than at other times during the year. This is the month to raise awareness, and to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence. According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, in 2023, 205 Texans were victims of intimate partner or stalking homicide. This number includes 179 women and 26 men.

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Domestic violence is an equal opportunity problem because it affects women, children, and men. It stretches across ethnic, religious, social, and economic lines throughout the world.  It can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological abuse, intimidation, manipulation, humiliation, isolation, threats, and coercion. It causes trauma and in many cases death. It is an epidemic and must be eradicated one survivor at a time in collaboration with law enforcement, community agencies, and faith-based community coalitions.

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