National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October, where we listen to the stories of domestic survivors and raise awareness of domestic violence issues. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) notes that "although there has been substantial progress in reducing domestic violence, an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner."
Domestic violence affects all communities regardless of race, class, gender, or sexual orientation, and extends beyond physical abuse and includes emotional abuse. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), "Domestic violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship." NCTSN notes that domestic violence "can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime."
MiraCosta students are especially encouraged to seek free and confidential assistance through Student Health Services, which provides personal and mental health counseling sessions. Sessions are held one time per week for 50 minutes, up to six consecutive weeks, and there are also one-time drop-in crisis sessions available.
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