October Marks 24th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Sheryl Rentz on October 7, 2011

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) has played an important role in encouraging battered women and children to seek the support and guidance they need to free themselves from abuse. Ending violence towards women and children is the goal of the National Coalition Against Violence (NCADV).

Domestic violence, which is also referred to as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), is the willful physical assault, intimidation, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive tactics and behaviors committed against an intimate partner. The effects of domestic violence include psychological and emotional trauma, physical injury, and even death. Unfortunately, according to the NCADV, many domestic violence cases go unreported, which is why it is important, as a community, to reach out to those who are afraid to find the support they deserve. Here are a few suggestions of what you can do in your community for DVAM:

• • Chili Cook-Off – Invite teams, individual cooks, and even restaurants to compete in a chili contest. Have entertainment, open chili tasting to the public, and prizes for the best chili. All proceeds would benefit the local women’s and/or children’s shelter.
  • Church Campaign – Ask religious institutions in your area to address the issue of domestic violence.
  • Ribbon Campaign – Distribute purple ribbons to people in your community, the symbol for the Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign.

If you or a loved one is being emotionally and/or physically abused by a spouse or intimate partner, the first and most crucial step is to remove yourself, or the victim, from the situation. Sheryl R. Rentz is an experienced Delaware County family law lawyer who can help victims of domestic abuse stay safe while they pursue divorce. In many cases, victims of domestic violence in Pennsylvania are entitled to significant benefits after a divorce. There is no excuse for the mistreatment of a spouse or child. Contact the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz today for a free and confidential consultation at (610) 645-0100.