October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence is sharing the theme No Survivor Justice Without Racial Justice for this year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Its Domestic Violence Awareness Project explains further, “Domestic violence is linked to all forms of violence. To end domestic violence, we must dismantle anti-Blackness, other types of racism, discrimination, & structures that perpetuate oppression. This October and beyond, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP) calls on the domestic violence movement to center, celebrate, and follow the leadership of Black survivors, leaders, advocates and frontline workers.”
The DVAP highlights other important issues on its Awareness Blog, including a call for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the movement, as well as for community care. In addition to this year’s Awareness Month campaign. And throughout the year, the ‘Take a Stand’ campaign shares a call to action to keep attention on the problem of domestic violence and offering victims safe space to be heard. The NCADV’s Take a Stand Toolkit is available here.
In an earlier blog post published at the onset of the pandemic, we shared a few important resources and notes, including:
- Safelink provides the statewide hotline available for victims of domestic violence in Massachusetts: 1-877-785-2020. For TTY, 1-800-799-7233. If you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522. And Jane Doe Inc. offers help in Massachusetts. RESPOND, based in Somerville, serves New England.
- A resource guide for domestic violence victims is offered here from the Massachusetts courts.
- Lawyers, law students, and judges in Massachusetts — and their family members — can schedule a Free & Confidential online appointment with one of our licensed therapists. Find more on scheduling here or give us a call at 617-482-9600.
RELATED EVENTS
Self-Defense and Yoga Fundraiser for Northeastern Law’s Domestic Violence Institute
Thursday, October 21 at 6pm (Online)
Hosted with Impact Boston and Cultural Fabric, this virtual Domestic Violence Awareness Month charity self-defense and yoga event will raise funds for Northeastern’s Domestic Violence Institute (DVI). This event is comprised of a 45-minute interactive self-defense course led by Impact Boston (starting at 6:00 PM), and a 30-minute yoga class led by Cultural Fabric (starting at 6:45 PM). The classes are inclusive and the yoga portion can be done from a chair or a mat. The suggested donation amount for this event is $35. All donations are tax deductible. You may donate here. The DVI provides free legal services and short-term emergency shelter for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. All funds raised will go directly to the DVI to support survivors.
Domestic Violence & Economic Paths to Safety: The Credit Union Model Support (Recording on YouTube)
Hosted by the ABA on October 27th, the first installment of the Domestic Violence & Economic Paths to Safety webinar series includes an expert discussion of the dynamics of domestic violence that include economic abuse and the barriers gender-based violence survivors face escaping violence while enduring financial hardship. Panelists will discuss the formation and operations of one innovative model offering solutions, resources, and support—the CU SAFE or Credit Union Survivor Alliance for Financial Empowerment program based in New Mexico. The CU SAFE Program has provided low-interest loans, financial navigators, and other resources not currently available in other agencies or banks.
Free & Confidential Consultations:
Lawyers, law students, and judges in Massachusetts — and their family members — can schedule a Free & Confidential online appointment with one of our licensed therapists. Find more on scheduling here or give us a call at 617-482-9600.
