October is domestic abuse awareness month. How does domestic violence impact us locally? In 2019 PAVE provided 1,649 individuals with crisis services and 3,112 nights of shelter. Domestic violence is never an isolated issue that only affects families or individuals in abusive relationships. Domestic violence affects all of us. It impacts all aspects of our community including community health, crime rates, the ability to participate in the workforce, child development, and family dynamics.
All forms of intimate partner violence are preventable. The first step in preventing violence is to empower yourself through seeking information and educating ourselves and our youth. Strategies to promote healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships are an important part of prevention. PAVE stands for Protect. Advocate. Validate. Educate.
Please join PAVE in October to shine a light for victims of domestic violence. Light up your front porch or window with purple lights to support victims, and remember those who lost their lives. Let the victims in our community know they are valued and supported.
