More needed to fight domestic violence

YWCA of VW County information

In an ideal world, domestic violence would never happen in our community; would never happen to someone we know or care about. In an ideal world, domestic violence wouldn’t exist.

In reality, domestic violence occurs in one’s neighborhoods and amongst family and friends. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or economic status. One in every four women and one out of every seven men have experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lifetimes.

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to an end, area residents should all continue to do their parts to make the world safer for their families, colleagues, neighbors, and the next generation. Here is what people can do:

• Continue to bring up the issues of controlling partners, encourage healthy relationships, and talk about what safety at home means wherever and whenever possible. You never know who you might reach and whose safety you might increase.
• Never tolerate friends or relatives belittling or controlling their partners. Tell friends or relatives that what they are doing is not okay.
• Donate hygiene and/or cleaning supplies or gift cards to the YWCA throughout the year. A gift can ensure that moms and children residing in the shelter are able to have essential needs they might not have been able to bring with them.
• Believe what a victim tells you and do your best to support and refer them to helpful resources.

While there are so many good causes, rarely will you find an issue that impacts 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men. It is likely that someone in your neighborhood, office, or extended family is in danger right now from an abusive partner.

Thank you for helping us to raise awareness throughout this past month in hopes to end domestic violence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence please call the YWCA’s 24/7 hotline: 567.259.9501

The YWCA is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation and is a United Way agency.