Jana's Campaign
This week welcomes October and National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is one of society’s largest social problems and it hides in plain sight. DVAM is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of these issues and share resources.
Nationally 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced gender-based violence by an intimate partner or ex-intimate partner (CDC, 2020). In addition, sexual minority groups within the LGBTQ+ community report levels of intimate partner violence at rates equal or higher than those of heterosexuals (VAWnet, 2010). Domestic violence is a leading contributor of injuries, chronic health issues, high-risk health behaviors, and creates a significant strain on the healthcare system. Growing evidence shows the long-term impact of emotional and mental trauma from violence carries an additional likelihood of disease and illness. It also is estimated that the cost of gender-based violence to US society, including health costs and productivity losses, would be $9.3 billion annually.
Domestic violence takes on many forms. It can be verbal, emotional, psychological, digital, sexual, and/or physical abuse. It can be extreme jealousy, possessiveness, unwanted touching, coercion, and excessive arguments. And it is ALL about power and control. Domestic violence occurs in every community across the country, and can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or economic status. In Kansas alone, domestic violence claimed 34 lives in 2020 (KBI, 2020).
Throughout the month of October, Jana’s Campaign pledges to share 31 facts about domestic violence on our social media accounts. A fact per day. Our hope is that you increase your understanding of this complex issue and utilize the information to become a part of the collective voice of individuals, families, activists, institutions, and systems who are working to reduce and ultimately prevent domestic violence. To access this information, please follow Jana’s Campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
“As we find ourselves upon another October of another year, a month dedicated to bringing awareness to the epidemic that is domestic violence, it’s important to remember that domestic violence does not contain itself to one month. It is something happening in every neighborhood, in every community, every day. And it’s our responsibility – all of ours – to talk about it. Talk to your loved ones, your children, your friends, peers, and acquaintances. Not just this month, but every month. Because knowledge is power, prevention is power, and we have the power to end gender and relationship violence. So, let’s start talking.” – Evelyn Dubey, Education & Prevention Specialist, Jana’s Campaign