Domestic Violence Awareness Month
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a month dedicated to highlight this issue in our communities, share resources, and to show survivors that they are not alone. Women and girls of all ages, income levels, racial and ethnic communities, sexual orientations and gender identities continue to experience gender-based violence and that often goes unrecognized or is not responded to equally. These experiences are only further compounded by racism and systemic injustices in communities across the country.
1 IN 4 WOMEN IN THE U.S. ARE SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, digital abuse and emotional abuse (from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence).
Domestic and sexual violence can affect anyone, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, religion, income, sexual orientation or marital status. It is largely hidden, yet incredibly common and dangerous. Trans people, particularly trans women of color, experience harassment, assault, discrimination, and homicide at significantly higher rates than the population overall.
53% OF WOMEN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN MULTNOMAH COUNTY ARE SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
23% CITED DV AS THE IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF THEIR HOMELESSNESS.
From the 2022 Multnomah County Point in Time Count
YWCA SURVIVOR SERVICES
Domestic and sexual violence are plagues in our community. YWCA works to break the cycle of abuse and empower Survivors. Using a Housing First model and trauma informed care, we provide safe housing to Survivors and work with them to increase their safety, economic security, and well-being during and immediately following emergency crisis situations. All of our services are survivor-focused and survivor-led, because we Believe Survivors when they tell us what they need.
Survivors are welcomed into YWCA houses no matter their credit history or financial situation. With dedicated supports and wraparound services, residents can stay for up to two years while they heal from trauma, secure permanent housing, and achieve financial stability.
With a staff of 90% survivors, we are survivor-led and survivor-focused.
Survivor Services staff educates landlords and the government housing agencies we work with about the unique housing needs and protections of Survivors. We work with them to respond appropriately to the specific needs of domestic and sexual violence Survivors and honor their rights as tenants. We advocate for Survivors and help them navigate complex systems so they can overcome every barrier to their safety and security. Learn more about our Survivor Services.
OREGON PROTECTS SURVIVORS EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS
Under Oregon law ORS 659A.280 to 659A.290 employers are required to provide reasonable safety accommodations to workers who are Survivors of domestic and sexual violence and stalking.
These protections include guaranteeing the Survivor’s right to take leave in order to seek legal and medical assistance for themselves and their children and to relocate to ensure their health and the health of their children.
20,000 CALLS ARE PLACED A DAY TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINES
From the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, here are some local resources:
For people in immediate crisis, contact Call to Safety at (503) 235-5333
To contact YWCA Survivor Services, email getservies@ywcapdx.org with your name, contact information and description of support needed
To speak with a counselor, contact Oregon’s Sexual Assault Resource Center at (503) 626-9100 x231
For free legal services, contact Oregon Crime Victims Law Center
HOW TO SUPPORT SURVIVORS
Join us throughout the month of October to show support for the Survivors in your community.
Purple Thursday on October 19th: Wear purple to show support to all Survivors of domestic violence and raise awareness to this issue in our community while showing commitment to healthy relationships.
Join us for YWCA’s Week Without Violence from 10/16 through 10/21! Show up for Survivors and raise awareness to end domestic violence. Week Without Violence 2023 maintains YWCA’s steadfast commitment to ending gender-based violence and allows us to address, educate, and take action through collective grassroots advocacy.
Help us spread the word about Week Without Violence and show why you’re committed to ending violence by taking a photo/selfie with a customizable sign!
Here’s how:
Download and print one of our signs, which have the following prompts:
I stand with survivors because:
A world without violence looks like:
Ending gender-based violence is important because:
Fill out a sign with your thoughts!
Share the picture to your social media using the hashtag #WWV23 and tag @ywcapdx !
CHECK OUT THESE UPCOMING SOCIAL JUSTICE CLASSES TO LEARN MORE ON HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR SURVIVORS IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
CULTURE OF GENDER VIOLENCE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2ND, 2023, 1PM-3PM PST
Online via Zoom
Course Description: Culture of Gender Violence exhibits itself through the presence of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking which exist within our culture. The term “gender violence” reflects the idea that violence often serves to maintain structural gender inequalities, and includes all types of violence against men, women, children, adolescents, gay, transgender people and gender non-conforming folks. We will explore the 3 main components that contribute to the existence of gender violence: sexism, sexual objectification and victim blaming. Looking through the lens of history and our current culture, we will reveal the pervasive myths and norms that justify sexual violence and that keeps the focus on blaming and silencing Survivors. We will explore how gender violence highlights a toxic masculinity-patterned violence: a prevalent violence committed most often but not always by men, often motivated by aggression, revenge, competition, and entitlement used to help to maintain patriarchy, dominance and oppressive stereotypes.
Register at the link below!
VICARIOUS TRAUMA AND VICARIOUS RESILIENCE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13TH, 2023, 10AM -12PM PST
Online via Zoom
Course Description: The development of vicarious resilience is highly useful in combating vicarious trauma. Vicarious trauma is an ongoing process of change over time that results from witnessing or hearing about other people’s suffering and need. Vicarious resilience is a process of positive transformation and empowerment obtained through witnessing the strengths and abilities of people who are able to overcome adversity. Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity and trauma, Resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone. We will learn to identify symptoms of vicarious trauma and explore strategies for building resilience. Some of the positive effects of vicarious resilience include an increased capacity for empathy, compassion, and well-being, in addition to an enhanced motivation for and commitment to engaging in social activism.
Register at the link below!
SAFETY PLANNING & ADVOCACY SKILLS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 23RD, 2023, 2PM-4PM PST
Online via Zoom
Course Description: In this workshop we will explore the role of domestic and sexual violence advocates, including setting healthy boundaries, and the basic foundations of supporting and validating Survivors. We will learn to reframe the effects of traumatizing events on survivors and discuss how to help them focus and recognize their present skills. There will be a discussion on how to provide transparency and create a safety and lethality assessment. Safety preparation suggestions will incorporate various situations such as in the home, when preparing to leave a dangerous situation, on the job, in public, and more. Additionally, we will consider emotional safety and various methods for supporting and comforting children. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to develop safety planning ideas and practice active listening and reassurance techniques.
