City News & Updates

Oct 7th, 2024
03:26 PM

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Places Focus on Supporting Victims and Survivors
about 2 months ago
Posted by
 Krauskopf, Kevin

The City of Huntington issued a proclamation on October 7, 2024, declaring Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Huntington

HUNTINGTON – One in every four women and one in seven men will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. Local organizations that provide assistance to survivors want to let them know that there is help and hope.

Recognized nationally each October since 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month was launched to raise awareness of domestic violence issues and connect victims with the care, assistance and resources they need. Its primary focuses are supporting survivors, holding abusers accountable and updating legislation to further those goals, according to the National Council Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) website.

To help eliminate domestic violence in Huntington and support the important work of organizations like YWCA Northeast Indiana and the Huntington County Domestic Violence Task Force, the City of Huntington issued a proclamation on Monday, October 4. It calls on residents to learn the warning signs of domestic violence and play a role in supporting its victims in recovery.

YWCA Northeast Indiana, the Huntington County Domestic Violence Task Force and their partners work together to remove barriers that prevent victims from seeking help. Employment and financial concerns, housing stability, child custody issues and, in some cases, mental health and addiction can leave victims stuck in abusive relationships.

YWCA Northeast Indiana provides services such as financial, child care and housing assistance for domestic violence victims. Women, men, transgender individuals and families of all types can call a 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Line to get help. A crisis shelter also is available for individuals or families who need a safe place to stay.

Call (800) 441-4073 to reach the crisis line or if you are in need of safe shelter.

The YWCA also provides:

  • Community-based advocates who work one-on-one with individuals who are experiencing domestic violence and need personalized help, including mental health and addiction counseling. Call (260) 424-4908 ext. 113 or email advocatecoords@ywcarew.org to speak with an advocate.
  • A crisis shelter, advocacy services and therapy services for domestic violence survivors. Find more information at ywcanein.com.

These resources are always free and completely confidential. The YWCA of Northeast Indiana serves the Fort Wayne area, including Huntington. To learn more or make a donation, visit ywcanein.org/dvam.

WHEREAS, the City of Huntington is committed to eliminating domestic violence and empowering victims and survivors; and, WHEREAS, domestic violence traumatizes victims, endangers children and harms families; and, WHEREAS, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month we renew our commitment to preventing these tragic crimes, holding perpetrators accountable, and bringing encouragement and healing to victims and survivors; and, WHEREAS, domestic violence takes many forms and can affect anyone regardless of economic, racial, cultural, generational, religious, or gender status; and WHEREAS, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime; and WHEREAS, witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next; and WHEREAS, YWCA Northeast Indiana and the Huntington Domestic Violence Taskforce are dedicated to promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all by providing education about healthy relationships; advocating for victims and survivors; and empowering them to stay safe, reach their goals, and achieve self-sufficiency. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Richard Strick, Mayor of the City of Huntington, proclaim October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Huntington. I urge all residents to learn the warning signs of domestic abuse and violence; help us raise awareness of the tools on hand to hold its perpetrators accountable; and join us in supporting victims and survivors in recovery.