DHS recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  According to the Violence Policy Center (VPC) in Washington, D.C., Oklahoma ranks fourth in the nation in the number of women killed by men. In Oklahoma, about 21 percent of women and 10 percent of men are victims of domestic abuse.  That, in turn, contributes to unsafe living conditions and more children entering foster care.

“Domestic violence continues to impact far too many Oklahomans,” said Ed Lake, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS).  “Our data shows a large number of child welfare cases report domestic violence is a factor within the home.  That kind of emotional trauma adversely affects a child’s development and can increase the risk of a child passing on the violent behavior from one generation to the next.  This is a societal problem we all must work to end.”

DHS is bringing attention to domestic violence issues by joining YWCA-OKC and other community partners at several events to raise awareness throughout the month. The events are free and open to the public: 

• Oct. 4: Native Alliance Against Violence Day at the State Capitol, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Oct. 12: Balloon release at the DHS Training Center, 617 W. Rock Creek Road in Norman, 12 p.m.
•  Oct. 13: Domestic Abuse Award Ceremony, Blue Room, State Capitol, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Oct. 27: Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Wreath of Hope Ceremony, State Capitol south lawn, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
   

According to VPC statistics, 97 percent of women killed in Oklahoma knew the person who killed them. Most were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives or girlfriends of their murderers. Children of victims often witness the violence and abuse.
“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is designed to honor those women, children and men who overcame abuse, and to remember those who didn’t,” said YWCA-OKC CEO Jan Peery. “It’s also the time to demand that perpetrators be held accountable for their crimes to the fullest extent of the law. Until all Oklahomans say we won’t tolerate domestic violence in our community, we will continue to be ranked fourth in the nation for the number of women killed by men during these terrible crimes.”

The YWCA provides shelter for domestic violence victims and Peery says the following items are always needed: 

• Deodorant for both women and men
• Underwear for girls and boys
• Feminine hygiene products
• Hair products for all hair types
• Hair brushes
• Toothbrushes
• Diapers (all sizes)

“When women and children come to YWCA for help, they’ve got little more than just the clothes they are wearing and they are running for their lives,” said Peery. “What is more frightening is the large number of Oklahoma women who don’t make it to a shelter before their abuser uses deadly force.”

If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is, call the 24-hour Safeline at 1-800-522-SAFE (7233).

DHS and the YWCA encourage everyone to wear purple each Thursday throughout October to show support for victims and survivors of domestic violence. To learn more about domestic violence, visit Oklahoma City YWCA or the Purple Ribbon website at /content/sok-wcm/en/okdhs/purpleribbon/domestic-violence-resuorces.html.

To follow domestic violence awareness events on Twitter, use the hashtag #DVAM2016.

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