Since 1989, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed every October, where we listen to the stories of domestic survivors and raise awareness of domestic violence issues. While there has been significant progress in reducing domestic violence, the statistics continue to be alarming. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), "an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually." Domestic violence affects all communities regardless of race, class, gender, or sexual orientation, and extends beyond physical abuse and includes emotional abuse.
This year's Domestic Violence Awareness Project DVAM theme is Heal, Hold, & Center which acknowledges the intersectional efforts to heal from violence and oppression, as well as holding space for survivors, and centering those who have historically been most marginalized in efforts to end domestic violence. It is vital to acknowledge that there can be no survivor justice without racial justice (Domestic Violence Awareness Project, 2023).
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.
Torn Paper Heart - Used under (CC BY-NC 2.0); image resized from original
