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

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – October marks the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). U.S. Attorney Dena J. King 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, dating violence, and intimate partner violence is a recurring pattern of abuse in relationships, that can have a long-lasting impact on victims and survivors,” said U.S. Attorney King. “We want our community to know that we are here to support victims and survivors not just in October, but every month. My Office will continue to be actively engaged with the community we serve to address, respond to, and prevent future domestic violence and bring offenders to justice.”

Today, U.S. Attorney King attended Safe Alliance’s “Breakfast of Hope,” an event held annually to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. Safe Alliance is an organization that provides support to domestic violence and sexual assault victims in the greater Charlotte area, and client-focused services on housing, court assistance, sexual trauma resources, counseling for individuals, couples, and families, and support groups for adult and teen survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Safe Alliance President and CEO, Laura Lawrence, noted, “The epidemic of domestic violence impacts Charlotte-Mecklenburg in countless ways each day but, by partnering during DVAM and all year long, we can make a difference. Safe Alliance is honored to work alongside U.S. Attorney King’s office supporting survivors and holding offenders accountable in order to build a safer community.”

DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes; 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.

To understand more about domestic violence, visit: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence#dv.

If you require immediate help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or Strong Hearts Native Helpline at 1-844-762-8483.