*Trigger warning -- this article discusses domestic violence. There are resources at the bottom if you or someone you know is struggling.
In the United States, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
Given these statistics, it is clear that domestic violence is a serious issue in America, an issue that is not talked about enough. Countless organizations work to raise awareness and eliminate domestic violence. Take Back The Night (TBTN) is one such organization, and they strive to create safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives.
For October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Take Back The Night Club at Needham High School and The Needham Domestic Violence Action Committee (DVAC) set up a visual display at Town Hall to bring the issue of domestic violence to the community’s attention. The club placed human statutes, called “silent witnesses”, in front of the Town Hall -- each silent witness has a placard that tells the story of the victim who has died due to domestic violence in the past year and no longer has a voice. Purple lights are also displayed given that purple is the awareness color for domestic violence.
As one of the co-chairs for NHS’s TBTN Club, this event is important because it adds to our mission to give a voice to those who don't have one and to educate our community on domestic violence. We strive to promote awareness about this issue and help combat it. We will also be holding an event in February that will feature survivor and other guest speakers, music, and more.
Here are some resources if you or someone you know needs help:
Helpful Resources:
Needham Police
1-781-455-7570
Needham Health Division (Public Health Nurses)/DVAC
1-781-455-7940 ext 217
REACH Beyond Domestic Violence (24 hours)
1-800-899-4000
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham
1-781-453-5400
Elder Abuse Hotline
1-800-922-2275
Center at the Heights (Needham Social Workers)
1-781-455-7555
Riverside Mental Health (no one turned away)
1-800-529-5077
Safelink (Free Cell Phone Service)
1-877-785-2020
Dove – Domestic Violence End (24 hours)
1-617-471-1234
Journey to Safety (available in English and Russian)
1-781-693-1213
Child Assault Prevention Program (CAP)
cap@needhamcommunitycouncil.org