Domestic Violence Awareness Month: It IS Your Business

October is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Susan S. King, violence prevention coordinator with the Division of Social Services is spearheading the Silent Witness exhibit. It is a public education program of the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “This is a time to remind citizens of North Carolina of the price we pay because of the effects of domestic violence.” says Ms. King.

In 2004, 61 women, 19 men, and 3 children were murdered. A domestic-violence related homicide is defined as when an abusive intimate partner murders: a current or former intimate partner and/or the children or relatives of the current/former partner, their own relatives, a person trying to protect their current/former intimate partner, or a current intimate partner of the abuser’s ex-partner.

There will be a display of silent witnesses at several DHHS office locations during the week of October 3-7, 2005. These red silhouettes commemorate the lives of North Carolinians who lost their lives because of domestic violence. Each silhouette represents a person who life was taken by a trusted partner or family member.

Contact your local domestic violence agency regarding events scheduled in your area that recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Be sure to wear a purple ribbon during October to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence.

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Last Modified: September 1, 2005