Take a Stand Against #DVAM

By: Savannah Tipton

History gives us reference to the work advocates are doing in 2019. There was a time, not too long ago, where victims of domestic violence had almost nothing available for support. Before the 1970s due to there being no shelters, self-identified advocates would let fleeing victims into their homes (1). Those brave advocates were the foundation for shelters nationwide. There was little research and bias clouded the minds of many professionals. In fact, many medical professionals didn’t recognize the health risks associated with domestic violence. According to Time Magazine, an article in the issue “Sept. 25, 1964 — highlights a mind-boggling study that concludes couples stay in abusive relationships because their fighting can “balance out each other’s mental quirks (2).”” Society’s view of domestic violence directly impacted a victim’s ability to find external support and break free from an abusive relationship.

Today, domestic violence agencies are open across the United States offering programs that empower survivors to build a life free from the grip of domestic violence. Medical professionals now recognize the danger of domestic violence and are learning more about risks associated with strangulation. The National Domestic Violence Hotline explains ““Strangulation” is defined as “It’s possible to experience strangulation and show no symptoms at first but die weeks later because of brain damage due to lack of oxygen and other internal injuries. For this reason, and for a safe way to document the abuse, we strongly recommend you consider seeing a doctor if your partner has strangled or choked you.” These referrals to see a doctor have saved countless lives. There is more work to do but we are well on our way to offering the support ALL survivors deserve when escaping domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Milestones (3)

• 1968 – Maine was one of the first states to open a shelter in the US.
• 1970s – The grassroots battered women’s justice movement uses a feminist, social change approach to raise awareness of violence against women though rallies and speak outs.
• 1978 – Feminists organize to create the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
• 1984 – Staff at the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DAIP) created the original Power & Control Wheel.
• 1993 – The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) was established as a comprehensive source of information for those wanting to educate themselves and help others on the many issues related to domestic violence.
• 1994 – Congress passes the Violence Against Women Act.
• 2003 – End Violence Against Women International was established to provide effective, victim centered, multi-disciplinary training and expert consolation regarding crimes of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The work victim advocates do at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center is directly impacting the lives of families across Central Indiana including victims fleeing from out of state. If you or someone you know needs help dealing with domestic violence and/or sexual assault, call our confidential crisis line at 317-731-6140. If you are in an emergency, please call 911.

1. https://www.npr.org/news/specials/housingfirst/whoneeds/abuse.html
2. https://time.com/3426225/domestic-violence-therapy/
3. https://vawnet.org/material/domestic-violence-prevention-history-milestones-and-achievements