What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence refers to a pattern of behaviors that are used to establish power and control over another person. Abuse can happen to any person without regard to age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.
Intimate Partner Abuse Versus Domestic Violence:
While domestic violence refers to abuse that occurs within the home, intimate partner abuse refers to intimidation, control, and abuse that can occur within a romantic or sexual relationship. You do not have to live with or be married to your partner to experience abuse.
JBWS is here to help, call our 24-Hour Helpline at 1.877.782.2873, Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Text 973.314.4192 Hablamos Español Interpreters Available
For Businesses
There are four main ways that businesses and corporations can support JBWS during DVAM.
Listen to JBWS' New Podcast
JBWS’ podcast Unsilenced: Real Conversations About Abuse will be returning for a season 2 during Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Unsilenced aims to end the culture of silence that surrounds domestic violence by increasing conversations about abuse. Through raw and unfiltered conversations with survivors of abuse, people who have used abuse, psychologists, social workers, and others impacted by domestic violence, this podcast intends to end the stigma associated with abuse. Guests speak candidly about abuse, societal perceptions of domestic violence, barriers to assistance, and how to reach out for help.
For The Community
As members of our community, you have incredible power to influence change. By educating yourself about domestic violence and engaging in discussions about abuse, you can alter the trajectory of someone’s life.
There is a stigma associated with domestic violence in our society and the only way to break that stigma is by normalizing discussions about abuse, sharing information about it, and encouraging people to seek assistance.
This DVAM:
Spread Awareness:
Share Community Resources:
If you’re interested in spreading awareness about domestic violence but don’t know where to start, JBWS has compiled a Community Resources page filled with flyers, agency videos, brochures, program overviews, information on how to talk about abuse, and toolkits. Find it at jbws.org/community-resources
Read JBWS’ News Articles:
Throughout both DVAM and the rest of the year, there will be an emphasis placed on discussing domestic violence in current events, media, and trends. To ensure that abuse is discussed with proper considerations, JBWS is making a point to add our voice to these conversations. See all news articles at jbws.org/news
Share Helpful Information About Domestic Violence:
To ensure that every single person looking for assistance, regardless of where they are on their journey to safety, has access to resources that may help, we created a specific page on our website. It contains vital information about abuse. Find it at jbws.org/helpful-domestic-violence-information
Types of Abuse
Did you know that not all abuse is physical?
In fact, there are numerous forms of abuse that do not include physical violence. For instance, emotional abuse, financial abuse, intimidation, isolation, mental health coercion, minimizing/blaming, reproductive coercion, sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, stalking, status abuse, substance abuse coercion, technology abuse, and threats/coercion are all forms of abuse.
How to Express Concern
When you think someone might be in an abusive relationship, follow these three steps to express concern for their wellbeing.
Step 1: Become educated about domestic violence
Step 2: Show C.O.N.C.E.R.N
Concern: Open the conversation with "I'm concerned about you." Don't begin by criticizing the relationship.
Observations: Be clear and specific about what you saw and how it made you feel.
No One Deserves Abuse: There is no excuse for hurting another person emotionally, verbally, sexually, or physically. The person using abuse is solely responsible for their actions.
Confidentiality: Let your friend know that you respect their need for privacy and confidentiality. The decision to stay with a partner or seek help is up to them.
Empathize: Don't judge your friend. Empathize with the complexity of feelings that you can have in a relationship.
R U Safe: Safety has to be a critical concern anytime you suspect abuse. Let them know the warning signs of the potential escalation of abuse.
Naming the problem: as unhealthy or abusive can help direct them to the most appropriate resources.
Step 3: Make a referral
Attend An Event
Consider attending one of JBWS' events during Domestic Violence Awareness Month this year!
The funds raised at our special events help us provide life saving services to our clients. Without the generosity and support of our donors, we would not be able to offer critical services to those impacted by domestic violence such as: our 24-Hour Helpline, residential programs, counseling services, abuse intervention programs, and community education services.