Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a national movement to bring public attention to the problem of intimate partner violence. While October is the official month for this campaign, many individuals and organizations in Longmont make domestic violence awareness their goal every single day.

Facts:

• Domestic violence is Longmont’s No. 1 public safety issue. More people are injured from domestic violence than any other crime in Longmont.
• Domestic violence is a serious public health issue. Nearly one-third of American women report having been physically or sexually abused by a boyfriend or husband at some point in their lives.
• Many children exposed to domestic violence exhibit behavioral and physical health problems, and what they experience growing up has an enormous impact on their future relationships.
• Between 13-25% of teenage girls have been in a physically or verbally abusive relationship.

EVENTS

Month of October - “Off the Shelf” - Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Avenue - A display of books and materials on domestic violence throughout the library.

October 6, 2008 - A Walk in My Shoes: Domestic Violence Awareness Rally - Bring your friends and wear purple in honor of victims and survivors. West steps of State Capitol - Denver - 11:45 a.m.

October 17, 2008 - Steps of Hope - 7-9 p.m. - Isaac Walton Park, 18 S. Sunset. Community event to remember and honor victims and survivors. For information, call Safe Shelter at 303.772.0432.

October 23, 2008 - 15th Annual Beth Haynes Award - 2 p.m., Boulder Public Library auditorium, 1000 Canyon. Award recognizes the outstanding work of a Boulder County law enforcement officer.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Educate yourself: Get the facts, and find out what resources are available in the community. Browse this website and contact LEVI for more information.

Help a victim: Let them know you are there for them. Tell them they don’t deserve to be abused and that they can live a life free of abuse. Let them know about area services that can help. Services for victims include but are not limited to safe shelter, counseling, social services, legal advocacy, legal aid, low-income healthcare and child care, protection (restraining) orders, temporary safe pet housing, sexual assault resources, employment, self-sufficiency assistance and housing. Children who have been exposed to domestic violence can receive counseling, mentoring, supervised visitations and safe exchanges between parents.

Talk to an abuser: Always remember that while an abusive person may be open to talking with you, true change can only occur if that person is willing to be accountable for their actions, and be willing to take the necessary steps to help themselves. Domestic violence certified treatment and counseling is available to abusers.

Wear a purple ribbon to raise awareness for domestic violence. Ask others to wear a ribbon.
Individual ribbon pick-up locations:

• Longmont Police Department lobby (ribbons are located in the wall display just to the left of the Records desk)
• Daily Times-Call
• Longmont Public Library
• Longmont United Hospital

Distribute purple ribbons. Please help by distributing purple ribbons to othes in the Longmont area - at your place of employment, at church, at your civic organizations, or some place else. Contact LEVI to arrange to pick up larger quantities of purple ribbons.

Set a good example: Other people see your behaviors and actions, especially young people. Treat others with respect, and teach the young people in your life that domestic violence is wrong.

Raise awareness in larger groups, such as during Sunday church services, during business meetings, or group meetings. Here are a few ideas: Ask your pastor for a couple of minutes to talk about efforts to end domestic violence, or ask to have it included in the bulletin or talked about in a sermon. During a business meeting or other group meeting, take a few minutes to talk about the efforts.

Take a stand: Domestic violence is not a private family matter. It is not an individual issue. It is not just a women’s issue. And, the police cannot solve this problem alone. Every single person can and should play a role in resolving domestic violence in Longmont. Domestic violence is our problem as a community, and we all need to be involved in becoming part of the solution. Longmont is a community where many men have stepped up to be a part of the White Ribbon Campaign during the past two years. Men – wear a white ribbon to show your desire to end all violence against women, and talk to other men and boys about your efforts. Women – wear a purple ribbon to bring awareness to domestic violence, and teach your children about healthy relationships.

While many significant and worthy efforts have been made, domestic violence is still the No. 1 public safety issue in Longmont. Domestic violence impacts thousands of people every year in our community: More people are injured as a result of domestic violence than any other crime in our city. When our community stands up and takes action by making domestic violence an unacceptable behavior, it can become a thing of the past.

Join together with others in the community during October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and make it known where you stand on this issue. You can help. We ALL can.