Each year, communities across the country recognize October as National Domestic Violence Awareness month. Last month marked the 21st anniversary of Congress passing the Violence Against Women Act into law. The Act is a means to help domestic violence victims find safety and obtain justice.
Domestic violence does not discriminate against race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or economic status. It can happen to anyone, in any neighborhood, and sometimes affects people within our own families. Statistics show that most cases of domestic violence take place between individuals who have an established relationship. Terrorizing attacks in the form of domestic abuse can happen to both men and women.
Unfortunately, the rate of intimate partner abuse is highest among females between the ages of 16-24, and physical abuse by a dating companion affects close to 1.5 million high school students. Every year, women under the age of 18 account for more than 50% of rape attacks. When an individual uses power or control over another, even during a date, it is considered domestic violence. Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. It can also take the form of emotional and psychological abuse, possessiveness, isolation and stalking.
National Network to End Domestic Violence
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is working hard throughout the month of October to break the silence that often plagues many domestic violence victims. The Network offers a wide array of opportunities to inspire action that will raise domestic violence awareness. Their website includes an action-oriented #31n31 calendar with suggested actions that can be taken on any given day of the year to help end domestic violence. NNEDV encourages the public to wear purple during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and has designated October 22, 2015 as #PurpleThursday. The Network also has an open participation Week of Action planned for October 19-23, 2015.
Towson Domestic Violence Lawyers of Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Provide Compassionate Legal Counsel for Victims of Abuse
At Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, our Towson domestic violence lawyers work with individuals affected by domestic violence throughout the greater Baltimore area. Our offices are conveniently located in in Towson, East Pikesville and Hunt Valley, Maryland to represent families in Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County and Howard County, Essex, Elliott City, Towson, Columbia, Bel Air and Westminster. Schedule your free confidential consultation by calling 443-589-0150 or submit an online inquiry form.
