As many bloggers and news media outlets are touting October as Breast Cancer Awareness month, I would like to remind people not to overlook it's fellow 'October campaigner'...Domestic Violence. Both movements depend on their awareness month to provide knowledgeable information to the community and for funding purposes as well.
In this economy, funding is now uncertain; in the case of my home state, California, the new '09-'10 fiscal state budget cut out the entire Domestic Violence Prevention Unit program which means the elimination of $20.4 million in program funding. We are now the only state without a state Unit. Although the National Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NCEDV) is advocating for a nation wide awareness month change from October to May, nothing has been set to stone.
President Obama has just released a proclamation where he states, "Victims of violence often suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn, with little or no guidance and support. Sadly, this tragedy does not just affect adults. Even when children are not directly injured by violence, exposure to violence in the home can contribute to behavioral, social, and emotional problems. High school students who report having experienced physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, are at greater risk of suicide, and may carry patterns of abuse into future relationships. Our efforts to address domestic violence must include these young victims."
In this economy, funding is now uncertain; in the case of my home state, California, the new '09-'10 fiscal state budget cut out the entire Domestic Violence Prevention Unit program which means the elimination of $20.4 million in program funding. We are now the only state without a state Unit. Although the National Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NCEDV) is advocating for a nation wide awareness month change from October to May, nothing has been set to stone.
President Obama has just released a proclamation where he states, "Victims of violence often suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn, with little or no guidance and support. Sadly, this tragedy does not just affect adults. Even when children are not directly injured by violence, exposure to violence in the home can contribute to behavioral, social, and emotional problems. High school students who report having experienced physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, are at greater risk of suicide, and may carry patterns of abuse into future relationships. Our efforts to address domestic violence must include these young victims."
Don't get me wrong, I feel that both campaigns should have all-year-round awareness. But please, don't leave Domestic Violence awareness out in the cold this month.
For more information on Domestic Violence, please visit the National Coalition to End Domestic Violence. For information on teen dating violence, please visit Love Is Not Abuse.
If you would like to make a monetary donation to a domestic violence shelter that is very dear to my heart, please click here.
You are doing such am important thing by spreading this very important message, good for you, so many women need the support and encouragement from people like you.
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