Everyone can do #1 Thing to end domestic violence

Domestic violence impacts millions of people each year, but it can be prevented. It requires the collective voice and power of individuals, families, institutions, and systems – each whose “one thing” adds a valuable and powerful component to transforming our communities.

That is why during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), The Shelter is asking “What is the #1Thing you can do to end domestic violence?”

Many people care and understand that domestic violence is a serious public health problem. They want to do something but believe their actions can’t make a difference. It feels overwhelming. But change can start with only #1Thing. Imagine if all of people in Collier County committed to doing just one thing to stop domestic violence — we could really see some serious social transformation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

In 2018, The Shelter served over 1,700 victims of abuse and violence alone. That is why we need everyone – advocates, medical professionals, educators, survivors, researchers, policy makers, law enforcement officers, business owners, students, and more, to do at least one thing (#1Thing) to stop domestic violence here in Collier County. Below are some ideas:

#1Thing you could do to address domestic violence:

• Attend The Shelters DVAM activities to raise awareness – CLICK HERE FOR ALL ACTIVITIES
• Be a caring and consistent adult in the life of a child
• Talk to loved ones about violence and oppression
• Use social media to raise awareness among your peers
• Reach out to The Shelter to learn how you can help (administrative phone is 239.775.3862)
• Listen to and validate a survivor of trauma
• Take the #1Thing Community Pledge to end domestic violence: CLICK HERE
• For more ideas, CLICK HERE 

Warning signs of abuse – seek help if your partner:

• Constantly puts you down
• Controls who you see, where you go, or what you do
• Checks your cellphone or email without your permission
• Threatens to hurt you, your family, or your pets
• Physically hurts you in any way
• Isolates you from family and/or friends
• Limits your access to money, the phone, or the car
• Blames you for his/her hurtful behavior

You are not alone. Free help is available at The Shelter – CLICK HERE for more information or call our crisis line at 239.775-1101.