Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a critical issue that often remains concealed behind closed doors. It is a time to honour those who were victims, now turned survivors of domestic violence. This time of year serves as a reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and stresses how the issue can affect individuals of all backgrounds and demographics. 

The unfortunate actuality is that 44% of Canadian women self-reported experiencing psychological, physical, or sexual abuse in the context of an intimate relationship in their lifetime. Contrary to popular belief, domestic violence is not confined to these issues and can also entail cyberviolence, stalking, and even financial abuse. While the extent of this issue shows how widespread domestic violence is, there is frequently a barrier of apprehension that discourages victims from speaking up and finding the help they need. Domestic Violence Awareness Month sends a clear message that there is always someone who will listen and be inclined to help. October is a time to honour survivors' resilience, familiarize the public with the signs of abuse, and collectively take a stand against this all-too-common crisis.