October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Initially, my intention for today was to commemorate it by publishing my usual Museback Fridays post peeking back at women, innovations or events that have made an impact on domestic violence profoundly.  Sadly, this all changed in recent days when someone, a woman, who is near and dear to me became a victim of domestic violence.

I was struck by how little both of us knew in terms of what to do, how to do it, and where to get help.  Other than offering moral support and a shoulder to cry on, I felt really helpless.  Frustrated, I vowed to compile all the resources that might be helpful to my dear friend and to other women out there who are victims and survivors of domestic violence.  Unfortunately, there are many.

The national statistics are staggering!  According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:

• 25% of women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime
• 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year
• 85% of domestic violence victims are women

Thankfully, there is help and hope.  From applicable laws, safety and protection tips, and affordable legal services, to free screening and counseling,  housing assistance, financial stability, and more, women who are victims and survivors of domestic violence can seek and get the help they need to protect not just themselves but their children and families.

Here are the 7 helpful resources that I shared with my dear friend:

These resources are already helping her find everything she needs to guide her and her children through this difficult time and have empowered both of us.

1. National Domestic Violence Hotline:

   http://www.thehotline.org/ offers instant support to help victims of domestic violence find safety and rid themselves of abuse.

2. Office of Women’s Health:

   http://womenshealth.gov/violence-against-women/laws-on-violence-against-women/ outlines the laws that protect women against domestic violence, including how to get free domestic violence screening and counseling services.
   

3. WomensLaw.org:

   http://www.womenslaw.org/index.php provides state specific legal information and resources for survivors of domestic violence.

4. Safe Horizon:

   http://www.safehorizon.org/ offers resources not only to support victims of domestic violence, but also to prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities.

5. National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women:

   http://www.vawnet.org/domestic-violence/ provides resources on domestic violence, sexual assault, and related issues.

6. Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment:

   http://www.newsafestart.org/ assists women who are victims of domestic violence get back into the workforce so they can attain financial stability and avoid homelessness.

7. Love is Respect:
   

   http://www.loveisrespect.org/ provides resources for youth on healthy dating habits and relationships and a confidential and safe environment where they can seek help and support online or offline.

Please share these useful domestic violence resources with any woman you know who may be going through the same thing.  And even though you might not know anyone, share anyway so we can get the word out that there is help out there.

Are there any other additional resources that you may know of that are missing here?  Please be sure to share with our community.  We appreciate your help in spreading the word.

Related articles

• Domestic Violence Day 11: Bullying (secretangelps911.wordpress.com)