domestic violence awareness month
Contact: Peter Deegan
United States Attorney Stephanie Rose and the U.S. Department of Justice, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, have reaffirmed their commitment to ending violence against women. October is observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month around the country by advocates, victim service providers, law enforcement, and survivors to raise awareness about domestic violence. The battle against domestic violence has saved countless lives but needs to continue.
Domestic violence plagues communities across the nation. According to the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (www.icadv.org), in Iowa in 2008:
21,550 women and children were victims of domestic violence.
408 crisis calls were answered in one day.
“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn more about domestic violence and to challenge abusive behaviors. My office actively prosecutes domestic abusers who possess firearms and others who violate federal laws aimed at domestic abusers. We also continue to work with victim service providers to provide training and resources to help them help domestic abuse victims,” said U.S. Attorney Rose.
If you or someone you know needs assistance in addressing domestic violence, support and information can be obtained by calling the Iowa Statewide Sexual Abuse Hotline at 800-284-7821, the Iowa Statewide Domestic Abuse Hotline at 800-942-0333, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) and 800-787-3224 (TTY). There are crisis centers and shelters throughout Iowa available to assistant anyone in need of assistance. The hotline numbers listed can provide information on resources and referral to services. For other Hotline numbers visit www.icadv.org or www.enditnow.gov/dv/hotlines.html.
