U.S. Attorney's Office Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

BOSTON – October marks the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy joins the U.S. Department of Justice in commemorating DVAM, paying tribute to victims and survivors, and saluting the dedication of advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers and first responders who tirelessly work in support of survivors.

“Domestic violence is more prevalent than many realize. According to the CDC, one in four women and one in seven men experience severe physical violence from intimate partners during their lifetime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Levy. “We want communities to know that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is using all the tools at our disposal to ensure victims and survivors have a viable path to safety and justice. Our office will continue to leverage federal resources to prioritize the prosecution of domestic violence offenders who unlawfully possess firearms, or whose criminal conduct occurs online or crosses state lines.”

Domestic violence, dating violence and intimate partner violence has long-lasting impacts and consequences. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. However, rates are disproportionately higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, women of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and two-spirit people and people with disabilities. Domestic violence takes on many forms of abuse that are not limited to physical abuse. DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, immediate services and shelter information in Massachusetts can be found by calling the statewide toll-free domestic violence SafeLink hotline at 877-785-2020 or by visiting: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/list-of-domestic-violence-services-by-massachusetts-county. 

National support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or Strong Hearts Native Helpline at 1-844-762-8483. To find additional information on local support and resources by state, visit: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/local-resources.