Domestic violence is a serious,but preventable,crime that affects millions of Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, 24 people per minute are victims of physical violence, rape or stalking by an intimate partner in theUnited States--more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year.Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.The intent was to connect battered women’s advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became a special week when a range of activities were conducted at the local, state, and national levels.These activities were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had common themes: mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived and connecting those who work to end violence.Domestic Violence Awareness Month serves as a time to focus our efforts on increasing awareness about this issue.Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of age,gender,race,sexual orientation or educational level.It is not a private issue,it is a community issue,said Jami Gaff Bueker,Hubbard House Chief Development Officer.It is going to take all of us coming together to end domestic violence. Participating in our Go Purple Campaign is a very easy and small way to make a very big difference...
