Project PEACE Announces Events to Honor Domestic Violence Awareness M
Published on October 06, 2020
October 1 marks the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. COVID-19 has had a unique impact on those harmed by domestic violence and the communities that support survivors.
What the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) started in October 1981 as a "Day of Unity," with the intention of connecting advocates across the nation, has grown into a national month for awareness of domestic violence. As Arlington's
Project PEACE (Partnering to End Abuse in the Community for Everyone) honors survivors this October, we are asking everyone to recognize our power as a community and #PowerUp! Project PEACE wants folks to consider their power not only as individuals, but as part of a larger collective devoted to reducing and eliminating domestic violence.
Domestic violence occurs across the
social ecological model and harms more than individuals. It harms communities and our entire nation.
According to the
National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 31.3 percent of Virginia women and 22.1 percent of Virginia men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner rape and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. These statistics are often higher for community members who identify as trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming.
Free Online Workshops
In moving our awareness into action, Project PEACE is partnering with Northern Virginia regional domestic violence agencies to #PowerUpNoVA with free awareness and educational opportunities that spotlight less commonly recognized forms of abuse.
Throughout October,
free online workshops will be available courtesy of
Arlington's Project PEACE,
Doorways and
VSDVAA (Oc.t. 8),
JCADA and the
Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter-LAWS (Oct. 22) and
Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (Oct. 29). Information and resources are available via
Facebook,
Instagram and
Twitter.
Awareness and Resources
To highlight those most vulnerable in our community, Project PEACE will also host a week of awareness beginning October 11 (National Coming Out Day) dedicated to promoting information and services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities. Project PEACE will share how domestic violence impacts these communities by sharing statistics, promoting local services and hosting a
virtual, free educational event with youth Safe Space NOVA's youth activist group the
YA'LLS.
"Arlington strives to be a community where everyone is able and supported to live in safe and healthy relationships. By highlighting October as Domestic Violence Awareness month we raise our collective consciousness about the prevalence and impact of domestic violence in our community and connect those most vulnerable to the resources they need to be safe and whole," says Libby Garvey, Arlington County Board Chair.
Domestic violence does not end when October does, and neither will efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and ways to get help. Resources are always available. If you or someone you know needs support because of intimate partner violence or sexual assault please reach out to
Doorways 24-hour hotline at 703-237-0881 and the Arlington County Police Department at 9-1-1.
Arlington County's Project PEACE is a coordinated community response dedicated to advancing the most effective and efficient array of education, prevention, protection, and support services to end domestic and sexual violence in the community. Learn more about Project PEACE at health.arlingtonva.us/project-peace.